Assessment of the Impact of Rural Roads Construction/rehabilitation on the Livelihood of the People of Yala Local Government Area

Abstract
Rural road infrastructure comprises of farm roads in a given area, including various modes of transportation to transport passengers and goods. The aim of this study was to formulate strategic policies that would enhance the sustainability of rural roads and the livelihood of the people in Yala Local Government Area. The objectives include; to examine the state of rural road infrastructures, to investigate the problems militating against rural road development and maintenance, and to examine the impact of rural road infrastructure on the livelihood of the people. The study adopted the survey research design. The types of data collected include data on the socio-economic characteristics of respondents such as their age, sex, occupational status marital status, the state of rural road infrastructures, problems militating against rural road development and maintenance, impact of rural road infrastructure on the livelihood of the people. Both the primary and secondary sources of data were used. The instrument for data collection includes survey questionnaire, oral interview and personal observation. The findings revealed that, the study area was predominantly a rural, with agricultural activities as its main source of livelihood. Many of the communities in Yala are located in remote and isolated areas and are faced by challenges of road infrastructure deficit. It also revealed that, the rural road infrastructures in the area faces various challenges, such as lack of proper maintenance. Descriptive statistics was used for percentage graphs and charts while inferential statistics such as person product moment correlation coefficient (PPMC) was used and the result of the tested hypothesis showed that there is a significant relationship between rural roads and agricultural productivity in Yala Local Government. Therefore, based on this finding it was recommended that government of Cross River State and other relevant stakeholders should embark on regular construction and maintenance of existing roads, which include repairs and resurfacing of worn-out roads. This would go a long way to improve agricultural productivity and livelihood of the people of Yala.