INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Policy Toolkit for Increased Rural Mobility. The Toolkit has been designed as a one-stop shop to support policy makers and practitioners in making decisions on appropriate interventions to support rural development through efficient, user and poverty focussed rural transport systems.
What is a Toolkit ?
In putting together this toolkit we have tried to produce a document that people can ‘dip’ into without having read the whole document - only the appropriate tools need be used at the appropriate time. The toolkit does not provide all the answers, but does map out the key issues and where to find more detailed information.
Who is the Toolkit aimed at ?
The Toolkit is principally aimed at national and local level policy makers. However, an effective rural transport policy cannot be formulated without first having consulted a wide range of stakeholders. As a result the toolkit will also be useful to NGOs, CBOs, consultants, donors, private sector organisations and others, with an interest in rural transport operations.
What are the knowlegde sources that this Toolkit should be used in conjunction with ?
There are a number of documents that this toolkit complements both in terms of subject matter and in providing more detailed information. Detailed references can be found in Section 7 but include:
| Document |
What does it contain ? |
Where can I find it ? |
| The rural transport knowledge base |
45 papers on rural transport. These papers are referenced throughout the Toolkit |
Available from TRL on CD and on the Transport-Links website:
www.transport-links.org/knowledgebase.htm |
| Minimising the cost of sustainable basic rural access |
A sister publication to this Toolkit that deals with the engineering aspects of rural infrastructure |
This Toolkit is due for publication in 2003. It is the product of a DFID Knowledge and Research project being undertaken by TRL. |
| Transport: Infrastructure and services |
A World Bank poverty reduction strategy sourcebook |
Available from the World Bank website:
www.worldbank.org/poverty/strategies/sourctoc.htm |
How do I get the best value out of using this Toolkit ?
Few government bodies (central or local) have sufficient numbers and quality of human resources to devote to a sustained review of policy issues. Even the simple act of convening a stakeholders meeting may place an intolerable burden on resources. And the time taken to process policy ideas and concepts into action programmes may be protracted. Faced with these and other limitations, the prospect of applying even a few of the ideas expressed in this toolkit may seem daunting. Our advice is to address the achievable, and build gradually from simple beginnings. But wherever possible work transparently:
- Identify and communicate the tasks
- Work with stakeholders
- Communicate outcomes and actions
Once confidence has been established in the process, bigger issues may gradually be taken on board, as and when resources become available. This toolkit provides the scope and range of issues and opportunities; but it should be used pragmatically, applying ideas and solutions which can be managed with resources that are available.
How do I use the Toolkit ?
The Toolkit is designed to take the reader through each stage of the transport policy development process. It provides options for identifying problems and issues, and provides solutions that are specific to the transport sector. The process starts with stakeholder consultations to confirm that transport issues are the priority. This is followed by identification of the problem statement, and implementation of the agreed policies. Figure 1 provides an overview of the structure and contents of the Toolkit.
Section 1: Stakeholder Consultation and Consensus Building
The Toolkit begins with advice on the consultation of key stakeholders. Consultation is required throughout the policy development and implementation process. At the outset stakeholders must have agreement that transport is a priority for intervention, followed by consensus on appropriate interventions that fulfil the access needs.
Section 2: Rural Transport Problem Statement, Data Collection and Analysis
Perhaps the most critical stage of the policy development process is identification of need for rural transport policy. This section recommends ways in which information gathering, using a variety of quantitative and participatory approaches and methodologies helps, to identify the transport-related problems and issues, for which policy is needed.
Section 3: Policy Formulation and Development of Action Plans
This section describes the components required for the development of rural transport policies with specific reference to the provision of road infrastructure and rural transport means. It provides guidance on the legal, financial and management issues and development of a policy action plan.
Section 4: Implementation of Policy Tools
This section provides a selection of tools that can be used for implementation of transport policy. It explains the need for consideration of vulnerable groups, and provides specific advice on the provision and management of infrastructure and means of transport.
Section 5: Application of Monitoring Tools
The final section examines approaches for policy monitoring following implementation. These include social and environmental impact analysis, and livelihoods analysis, with an emphasis on the use of measurable indicators to evaluate the impact of policy on the rural poor.
Contents Page
Overview
References
Appendices
The project is being undertaken for the Department for International Development (DFID), the UK government department responsible for promoting international development and the reduction of poverty. The central focus of the DFID’s policy is commitment to an internationally-agreed target by the international donor agencies to halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by the year 2015.
The Department for International Development commissions research to assist the development process, and therefore encourages the widest possible distribution of publications arising out of this research. Copying and local distribution of reports is permitted. Note, however, that the intellectual property rights associated with the documents contained in the Policy Toolkit remain with DFID and its research contractors.
