Will rural people be left behind by the

sustainable development goals?

Paul Starkey
University of Reading and
Transport Services Research Manager
Asia Community Access Project
As a result of advocacy (including that of SLoCaT)
The draft urban goal 11 has a clear transport target
By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable
transport for all and expand public transport . . . . . (all refers to urban people)
Rural people deserve and need a similar target
Rural transport does not have a clear international champion.
The danger is that rural people will be left behind
But there is no equivalent rural target
With international support, it could fit into
Goal 1: Eliminate poverty
Goal 2: Sustainable agriculture
Goal 9: Promote sustainable infrastructure
But it now seems unlikely that there will be
a clear rural equivalent to the urban target
Rural people need transport
infrastructure and services to access
their livelihoods, markets, health
services, education and numerous
economic, social and civic opportunities
Good transport is crucial for poverty
reduction, economic and social
development and meeting Sustainable
Development Goals including those relating
to health, education and equity
In Papua New Guinea, one third of the rural
population of five million people live more
than 15 km from a road
To sell produce or access towns and
services, the only option is to walk for hours
Worldwide, one billion people living more than 2 km from all-season road
Key problem 1: Lack of rural roads and trail bridges
One billion people living more than 2 km from all-season road
Key problem 1: Lack of rural roads and trail bridges
With no roads or transport services, these
women in Myanmar walk for 2-3 hours each
way to access towns and services. To obtain
income from 45 kg of produce a week they
walk to market and back three times a week.
Most villages in Myanmar are more remote
than this . . .
Key indicator: percentage of rural population more
than 2 km (30 min walk) from all-season road
One billion people living more than 2 km from all-season road
Key problem 2: On rural roads, lack of affordable and
convenient transport services
Key indicators: fares per passenger kilometre and
frequency (travel opportunities per day to markets and services)
Eg In Nepal. Low economic demand
Cartels preventing competition to reduce price and improve quality
Eg, China. Informal sector prohibited
Private (ex parastatal) companies not competing
Regulatory standards (and prices) very high
Result: generally no public transport on low volume
roads and people use motorcycles
Paul Starkey 2013
Women can benefit from road
7
There is compelling evidence, including
that published by ADB, that connecting
rural villages leads to:



Paul Starkey , 2013 7
Reduced levels of absolute poverty
Reduced maternal and child mortality
Higher school attendance of pupils (and teachers!)
Higher agricultural production and economic activity
Very positive effects on national GDP
Huge benefits of providing rural access
By 2030, if we do not improve rural access in Asia Pacific
x? million mothers and babies will die due to lack of healthcare
y? million girls and boys will receive inadequate education
z? million tonnes of agricultural production will not be grown
w? million tonnes of food will be spoiled
Who will collect this outcome data and monitor progress?
Who will collect/compile rural transport indicators?
Who will champion rural transport in Asia?
The human cost of inaction