Roads to development? Urbanization without growth in Zambia

Peng, Cong, Wang, Yao and Chen, Wenfan (2024) Roads to development? Urbanization without growth in Zambia. CEP Discussion Papers (CEPDP2062). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.

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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.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	https://cep.lse.ac.uk/_new/publications/discussion...
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
JEL classification:	O - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R1 - General Regional Economics R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R4 - Transportation Systems
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2025 15:09
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2025 15:09
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/126771

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