A Research Study To Evaluate The Role Of Transport Infrastructure For Economic Growth And Poverty Reduction

Poverty has been identified as one of the world’s biggest problems. The international community recognizes that reducing global poverty is one of the major development challenges of the twenty-first century. China is the fastest growing economy in the world but still rural parts of this economy are facing the problem of poverty. Poverty is particularly severe in Yunnan Province of China. A number of poverty alleviation programs have been taken in order to reduce poverty, among which infrastructure development is the most recent initiative taken. Investment in infrastructure is a key component to reduce poverty through enhanced economic growth. An improved and adequate transport system can enhance economic opportunities for poor population of developing countries to reduce poverty. Improving road network is fundamental mode of transport infrastructure and considered as dominant means of communication for poverty reduction. Most of the poor population of developing countries is based on agriculture and a maintained road transportation; network increases easy access to markets for transportation of agricultural goods at low cost. The improved and successful transport projects have increased access to employment, education, health care services and markets in other parts of China. These projects developed a maintained road network and ensured economic development successfully.The main objective of this paper is to link transportation infrastructure especially road network to poverty reduction through enhanced economic growth in Yunnan Province in special context of Kunming-Chuxiong region. Improved road network is instrumental and an important component of economic growth in Yunnan Province to reduce poverty at household level. Theoretical support of OOPP (Objective Oriented Project Planning) is used to analyzing real life problems of Kunming-Chuxiong region. By utilizing case study approach this study evaluates the major problems, strengths and constraints of the region. On the basis of empirical findings and project prioritization technique this study formulates some guidelines to overcome the constraints and suggest some measures to make the arrangements more effective for poverty alleviation in the region.By using a case study approach this study linked transportation infrastructure development with economic growth and poverty reduction that could be broadly applied in other developing countries.