CAN TRAIL BRIDGES PROMOTE BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETIC VALUE AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS? EVIDENCE IN NORTHERN PROVINCE OF RWANDA

Authors : Ntaganzwa Sine Diane, Ndokoye Pancras, Manishimwe Alexis

Pages : 112-123

Doi:10.62816/cevder.1525914

View : 84 | Download : 40

Publication Date : 2025-01-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study we analysed the influence of the trail bridges on the aesthetic value of the environment, and on the economic development of the rural areas alongside with the functionality of trail bridges in northern province of Rwanda. The beneficiaries of the trail bridge and the local leaders were sampled randomly (local bridges beneficiaries) and purposively (local leaders). 12500 households and local leaders were our target population from whom 267 households’ representatives and 11leaders were used as sample. It was found that Gakenke and Rulindo districts are the districts that has the most trail bridges built so far, totalling 75% of all the bridges built in the Northern province. There is a significant increase in building trail bridges with years; 65% of the total trail bridges were built in only two years (2021 and 2022). The trail bridge sustains the crossing of pedestrians of all categories and is also designed to allow the crossing of animals, motorcycles and bicycles. The sustainability and full functionality of a trail bridge are influenced by several factors such as, the materials used in construction, the regularity of the maintenance and the efficient use of the bridge. Therefore, trail bridges that are decked with steel structures are in very good conditions, while those decked with timbers are in bad conditions. Regression Statistics indicated that trail bridges shortened travel time and speeded economic activities by boosting jobs. On one side the value of R square (0.62806) it means 62% of the change in new economic activities is driven by the travel time and the correlation is strong, as shown by the value of Multiple R=0.79. This means that the longer the travel time, the less the possibility of new economic activities. On the other hand, the value of R square (0.654), it means 65% of the change in new job is driven by the travel time, and the value of Multiple R=0.808 shows a strong correlation. The promotion of trail bridges in hilly countries with deep valley could accelerate sustainable socio economic development.
Keywords : Trail bridge, Environmental aesthetic value, Rural areas, Environmental aesthetics, Economic development