AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF ROAD NETWORKSON THE RURAL ECONOMY AND SECURITY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Saheed, Zakaree S. (PhD) and Chima K. Obianuju, (M.Sc)
Volume 2 Issue 2
Abstract
Road is the only way for the masses, particularly the rural dwellers, to move from one point to another, and also link up with the urban centres. However, the conditions of the roads in most rural areas pose a serious challenge to the economy and security of the areas.This paper examines the effect of road network on the rural economy and security in the Northern Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive analysis, Multicollinearity and Cronbach Alpha Reliability tests as well as regression analysis on the primary data. Findings from the study reveal through the multicollinearity test, absence of significant correlation among the independent variables and the Cronbach Alpha confirms internal consistency of the variables. Furthermore, the regression analysis indicates that road network hasa positive and statistically significant effect on rural economy and security. More so, rural development and transport infrastructure show positive significant effect on rural economy and security. Meanwhile, Security issues are not statistically significant to explain variations in the rural economy. The paper therefore, recommends that governments should extend effective road network to the rural areas to facilitate easy access to rural areas vis-a-vis rural to urban area, and to help the security agents respond promptly to any security challenge in the area. Key words: Rural, Road Network, Security, Transportation, Infrastructure.
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