| dc.description.abstract | This study was set to examine the role of rural
transportation in agricultural development. The
focus however, has been on the Rural Access Roads
Programme, its impact on agricultural development
and the extent to which it has alleviated transportation
problems in 01 Kalou Division of Nyandarua
District.
The significance of this study was prompted by the
fact that 01 Kalou Division is a high agricultural
potential area which is not fully tapped partly
due to the inadequacy of the transport network.
Moreover, farmers in the Division are engaged in
dairy and horticultural farming, the products of
which are easily perishable and thus, require quick
transport" to the relevant market s .
Among other things, the Rural Access Roads Programme
is expected to stimulate agricultural production
and bring more people to the market economy through
the provision of all-weather access to markets and
small urban centres. Furthermore, it is hoped that
the Programme will raise the level of rural employment
and improve access to social facilities and
services.
The study has identified and discussed the major
problems facing the Rural Access Roads Programme
and maintenance of the road projects. Further,
the findings of the study show that the Programme
has made significant contributions on agricultural
development in the area in terms of improved
marketing of farm produce increased farm incomes
land values and the general level of employment.
The study has emphasized the fact that although the
construction of rural access roads may be necessary
for the improvement of agricultural production
however I the access roads per se may not constitute
a sufficient condition for agricultural development.
The latter could be expected to respond positively , '
from rural access roads provided other complementary
factors are present.
Finally the study has made recommendations on how
to improve transportation problems of the study area
by addressing the constraints that face the Rural
Access Roads Programme. | en |
