Impacts of road development in sub-Saharan Africa: A call for holistic perspectives in research and policy
Lisa Biber-Freudenberger,
Christina Bogner,
Georg Bareth,
Michael Bollig,
Peter Dannenberg,
Javier Revilla Diez,
Clemens Greiner,
Philipo Jacob Mtweve,
Britta Klagge,
Tanja Kramm,
Detlef Müller-Mahn,
Vincent Moseti,
Nicodemus Nyamari,
Dennis Otieno Ochuodho,
Elias Kuntashula,
Theobald Theodory,
Jessica Paula Rose Thorn,
Jan Börner
Affiliations
Lisa Biber-Freudenberger
Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Corresponding author
Christina Bogner
Ecosystem Research, Institute of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany; Global South Studies Center, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Georg Bareth
GIS and Remote Sensing Group, Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Otto-Fischer-Straße 4, 50674 Cologne, Germany
Michael Bollig
Global South Studies Center, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Peter Dannenberg
Global South Studies Center, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Javier Revilla Diez
Global South Studies Center, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Clemens Greiner
Global South Studies Center, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Philipo Jacob Mtweve
Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Britta Klagge
Department of Geography, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
Tanja Kramm
GIS and Remote Sensing Group, Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Otto-Fischer-Straße 4, 50674 Cologne, Germany
Detlef Müller-Mahn
Department of Geography, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
Vincent Moseti
Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Nicodemus Nyamari
Ecosystem Research, Institute of Geography, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
Dennis Otieno Ochuodho
School of Biological and Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology, Bondo, Kenya
Elias Kuntashula
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Education, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Theobald Theodory
Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, Mzumbe University, Mzumbe, Tanzania
Jessica Paula Rose Thorn
Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, Weeks Building, 16-18 Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 1NE, UK; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Namibia, Private Bag Windhoek 13301, Namibia
Jan Börner
Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute for Food and Resource Economics, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Summary: 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.
