Impact of climate resilient rural road transport on human security in Kenya

Abstract

This chapter examines the impact of climate resilient rural road transport on human security in Kenya. The challenges of rural transport adaptation to climate change and their implications for mobility and food security are discussed. Peoples’ mobility and food security influence human security. Poor road connectivity may hinder the transport of farm inputs and produce to markets. This may aggravate food insecurity in an area and limit peoples’ opportunities to access jobs, schools and hospitals. Poor connectivity may contribute to hunger, starvation, illiteracy, and poverty. The research methodology adopted includes a literature review and case studies. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches for data collection and analysis were used. Case studies were used to enrich understanding of the impacts of climate resilient rural roads on human security in the country. To determine whether there is any interrelationship between poverty, level of education, road condition, and proportion of women delivering in health centers, multiple regression, and correlation analysis was used. A multiple correlation coefficient(R) of 64.9% was obtained showing a strong linear relationship between the variables. To address some of the challenges posed by climate change, the planning and design of new rural roads should consider future rainfall and flood trends.