Effects of rural transport on socio-economic development of rural dwellers in South Imenti District, Meru County

Abstract

Socio-economic development and subsequent economic growth on the African continent is hampered by several limiting factors, including the lack of adequate roads infrastructure. Investment in transport infrastructure in Africa plays a significant role' in stimulating development. This study sought to determine the effects of rural transport on socio-economic development of rural dwellers in South Imenti district, Meru County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the effect of rural transport on sustainable Agriculture of rural dwellers; to establish the effect of rural transport on basic service provision in rural dwellers; to establish the effect of rural transport on trade development of rural dwellers; and to establish the effect of rural transport on access to opportunities of employments on rural dwellers. The research used simple random sampling procedure and then adopted descriptive research design. Further inferential analysis was used to assess the effect of multiple factors. The data was gathered from the rural dwellers and administration officers of South Imenti District, through questionnaires structured on the basis of the objectives of this study. Data required for analysis was collected from the respondents and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences. The findings of this study were; rural transport influences positively to socio-economic development. This is guided by the responses collected from households in South Imenti. Rural transport leads to sustainable Agribusiness as access to produce, farming input and marketing is not a problem to the farmers. It also facilitates quick access to basic facilities; opening of trade opportunities and employment. The research recommends that; the government of Kenya through Ministry of Roads and transport increase funding for rural roads in all Counties and the communities to organize themselves in marketing Associations so that the Agribusiness products can be marketed to other districts since rural transport is good.