Fostering Regional Integration in Africa: The Case of Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Development Project*
Affiliation(s)
1 Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV), African Development Bank, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. 2 Center for Industrial Studies, Milan, Italy. 3 Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
1 Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV), African Development Bank, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. 2 Center for Industrial Studies, Milan, Italy. 3 Department of Economics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
ABSTRACT
This case study aims at identifying operational challenges that are specific to multinational projects and the extent to which these projects contribute to fostering regional cooperation and integration. The study is based on the analysis of relevant documents and data mainly from the African Development Bank. It also draws on individual and focus group interviews carried out during a field work in Tanzania and Kenya between 3-15 July 2011. The Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Development Project was approved by the African Development Bank on 13 December 2006 for joint financing with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The overall project objective was to rehabilitate a major arterial trunk road with a regional bearing on trade and integration of the East African countries. The project has resulted in increased traffic flow, faster travel times, and lower vehicle operating costs. Development impacts such as increased cross-border trade, increased tourism and socio-economic development are still unfolding. Data on cross-border trade and other activities were not available, but interviews with stakeholders pointed to positive achievements. However, given the financing gap of about 45% in both countries to meet the cost of periodic maintenance of their road networks, sustainability of the road is at risk unless more pro-active measures are taken.
This case study aims at identifying operational challenges that are specific to multinational projects and the extent to which these projects contribute to fostering regional cooperation and integration. The study is based on the analysis of relevant documents and data mainly from the African Development Bank. It also draws on individual and focus group interviews carried out during a field work in Tanzania and Kenya between 3-15 July 2011. The Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Development Project was approved by the African Development Bank on 13 December 2006 for joint financing with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The overall project objective was to rehabilitate a major arterial trunk road with a regional bearing on trade and integration of the East African countries. The project has resulted in increased traffic flow, faster travel times, and lower vehicle operating costs. Development impacts such as increased cross-border trade, increased tourism and socio-economic development are still unfolding. Data on cross-border trade and other activities were not available, but interviews with stakeholders pointed to positive achievements. However, given the financing gap of about 45% in both countries to meet the cost of periodic maintenance of their road networks, sustainability of the road is at risk unless more pro-active measures are taken.
KEYWORDS
Case Study, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impacts, Sustainability
Case Study, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impacts, Sustainability
Cite this paper
Gakusi, A. , Sartori, D. and Maliti, E. (2015) Fostering Regional Integration in Africa: The Case of Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Development Project*. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 3, 212-235. doi: 10.4236/jss.2015.312025.
Gakusi, A. , Sartori, D. and Maliti, E. (2015) Fostering Regional Integration in Africa: The Case of Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road Development Project*. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 3, 212-235. doi: 10.4236/jss.2015.312025.
References
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