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

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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