Assessment of Social-Economic Impact of Road Construction Projects in Conserved Areas: Evidence from Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority in Tanzania

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the social-economic impact of road construction projects in Tanzania by using the evidence from Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The area has been reserved because of its importance in providing habitat to a number of wild animals. The study employed a case study design in which 98 respondents from Ngorongoro Conversation Area were involved. Data were collected by questionnaires and were analysed by using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. The key findings of the study revealed that road construction projects have positive influence on both social and economic performance. . Nevertheless, our study posits that social performance can mediate the relationship between road construction projects and economic performance. Our study offers practical and social implications by providing insights through empirical results about the debatable phenomenal on the importance of road infrastructure to the social-economic development of developing countries