Impacts of road development in sub-Saharan Africa: a call for holistic perspectives in research and policy
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This perspective explores the multifaceted development challenges related to road network expansion in sub-Saharan Africa, where recent infrastructure investments reflect transformative ambitions but also imply socio-ecological tradeoffs. Roads can boost economic growth by facilitating trade, tourism, and access to essential services, yet they simultaneously contribute to ecosystem fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflicts. Looking at the history of Africa’s road development, we find that mega-projects—often funded by international donors—reshape political and economic landscapes while altering rural livelihoods and ecosystems. We synthesize literature and case studies to reveal critical trends and propose solutions, urging for a shift toward sustainable, evidence-based infrastructure strategies that balance development with environmental stewardship. We further advocate for transdisciplinary approaches and community engagement to align road expansion with long-term stakeholder needs so as to minimize adverse impacts on Africa’s socio-ecological systems.
Date Issued
2025-02-21
Date Acceptance
2025-01-01
Citation
iScience, 2025, 28 (2)
ISSN
2589-0042
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
iScience
Volume
28
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
10.1016/j.isci.2025.111913
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
111913
Date Publish Online
2025-01-28