The Impact of Improved Road Infrastructure on the Livelihoods of Rural Residents in Lesotho: The Case of Phamong

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of improved road infrastructure on the livelihoods of the rural people in Phamong, Lesotho. Using a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide to collect data from 300 respondents and six key informants, the findings show that Phamong was suffering from a lack of basic social services and inhabitants had to access them from Mohale Hoek, one of the district capitals of the country, 135 km away. In addition, before road infrastructure improvement, inhabitants were affected detrimentally, but after the improvement they were able to access social services from other places. The findings also show a total neglect of these improved roads by the government, hence, the lack of public transport to enhance transportation where social services could be accessed. This is the consequence of poor maintenance by the appropriate government department responsible for roads. Agricultural activities have also been affected negatively. The lives of the inhabitants have improved markedly through acquisition of household assets and access to social services some distance away. However, there is a need for more government and people-centered efforts in the improvement and provision of social services to the community.