Research Project (Ongoing)

Industrial-Structure Changes and Infrastructure-Investment and Industrial Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are working hard to improve domestic and international connectivity by creating and expanding road networks, with support from international development donors such as Japan. These efforts aim to maximize the benefits of intra-regional trade by extending road networks beyond national borders across the vast African continent. Domestic economic development is expected as well, as transportation of goods and people will become more efficient with the development of domestic road networks. Moreover, better road access is expected to lead to better living convenience in rural areas.

Meanwhile, a lot remains yet to be understood: how the development of road networks impacts individual industries like agriculture, manufacturing and service differently; how it changes industrial location and land use; and whether nearby areas can equally enjoy the benefits of road-network development. Accumulation of knowledge based on empirical analysis is important.

This study aims to reveal causal relationships between the following: i) stepwise efforts that have been made to develop road networks and facilitate intra-regional trade; and ii) the industrial structure and changes in land use in different parts of Tanzania. We will collaborate with government agencies in charge of the development of road networks and the National Bureau of Statistics of Tanzania. Satellite data of nighttime light, which is known to have a correlation with economic activity, will be fully used as well.