The Impact of Rural Road Infrastructure as a Solution to Improving Rural Development for Farmers: A Case Study of Chongwe District of Lusaka

The purpose of this paper was to assess the impact of road infrastructure development as a solution to improving rural development for small and medium scale farmers in Zambia, with a focus on Chongwe district. The specific objectives of the study were: to assess the impact of road development; effectiveness of transport infrastructure development; to identify road infrastructure development strategies; to investigate the constraints affecting small and medium scale farmers. The research study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The accessible population was fifty farmers of Chongwe district. Hence purposive sampling was used to come up with the respondents. The study used questionnaires to collect data from the respondent. The validity of the instruments was determined by the researcher who formulated items according to the research objectives. Data collected from the respondents was analyzed by using tables and charts to present data. The findings of the study indicated that Chongwe district is still lacking on road infrastructure development. The findings of the study also revealed that the transport system is expensive making those wanting to travel unable hence missing out on bustling developments, it also showed that small scare farmers are unable to afford travel and have their produce sold in the big cities because of transport cost, lack of big companies and malls to supply to, there is less infrastructure development such as shopping complex, schools, hospitals and energy. The study recommended that there is need to diversify the economy and reduce over-dependence on mining, prioritizing expansion of labor intensive sectors such as, agriculture and manufacturing there is need to fast-track investments, especially in rural areas, in economic infrastructure, transport, manufacturing and energy to enhance efficiency and lower the cost of doing business.