Infrastructural Development as a Tool for Enhancing Rural Development: Case Studies from Nigeria, Tanzania and China

Abstract

Effective rural service delivery and improved infrastructure provision have been identified as a driver towards improving the livelihood conditions of rural people. Identifying this has resulted in the development of infrastructure-driven policies for the development of rural areas. This paper aims to explain the role played by infrastructure in enhancing rural livelihood(s) in Nigeria, Tanzania and China using a thematic review of the literature. This study examined rural livelihoods, infrastructure investments and policy directions in Nigeria, Tanzania and China. The paper concludes by making arguments for the adoption of several rural development strategies that can trigger rural development. The suggested triggers include agricultural financing, the promotion of indigenous technologies, the encouragement of public-private partnerships, and the adoption of robust agricultural policies.