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Roads to development? Urbanization without growth in Zambia

Author

Listed:
  • Peng, Cong
  • Wang, Yao
  • Chen, Wenfan

Abstract

This study explores the impacts of road improvements in a country characterized by "urbanization without growth". Our analysis reveals that, although road upgrades increase population growth, they do not significantly advance economic development and tend to worsen living conditions. Utilizing a combination of empirical evidence and a spatial equilibrium model, we identify that constrained industrial capacities and congestion from high population density limit the efficacy of road development policies in enhancing GDP and overall welfare. Our results also indicate that strategically targeting road placement in regions with higher economic productivity could yield better economic outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng, Cong & Wang, Yao & Chen, Wenfan, 2024. "Roads to development? Urbanization without growth in Zambia," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 126771, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:126771
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/126771/
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    road improvements; urbanization; industrialization; quantitative spatial model; satellite imagery; africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics
    • R4 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics

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