​Enhancing the socio-economic and sustainable impact of village access tracks via an integrated Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and demand-driven Research & Development approach.

The report details a SIDA-funded project to build over 200 km of motorcycle-accessible tracks in Liberia, enhancing socio-economic development. Implemented by Swansea University, Cuttington University, and LIDA-Research, it integrates R&D and MEL to improve track construction and community benefits, focusing on sustainability and local capacity building.

Summary:

The report titled "Enhancing the Socio-Economic and Sustainable Impact of Village Access Tracks via an Integrated Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Demand-Driven Research & Development Approach," authored by Krijn Peters and Martin Tarkpor, presents an expansion of a pilot project funded by SIDA. The project aims to construct over 200 kilometers of motorcycle-accessible tracks in Liberia's Lofa, Nimba, and Bong counties. Implemented by Swansea University, Cuttington University, and LIDA-Research, the project integrates Research and Development (R&D) and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to enhance the socio-economic benefits of these tracks.

The report begins by establishing the importance of upgrading rural footpaths to tracks accessible to motorized vehicles, highlighting their impact on market access, health, and education, particularly benefiting marginalized communities. It outlines the rationale for focusing on track construction, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and socio-economic development.

The inception report details several R&D projects, including the development of sustainable bridge designs, local tool production for track construction, the implementation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), and the potential introduction of electric motorcycles. These initiatives aim to address technical and social challenges, improve track construction methodologies, and foster community-driven development.

Overall, the report underscores the importance of R&D and MEL in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of village access tracks, aiming to build local capacity and support future interventions in rural infrastructure development.