Since 2009, Sweden has provided support through Sida for the Liberian Swedish Feeder Roads Project, an initiative that has built and repaired around 1,000 kilometres of rural roads, improving access to markets, public services, and livelihood opportunities for Liberia’s rural population. It has frequently been recognised as a leading example of Swedish development cooperation with Liberia.
When EBA 2024 conducted a major evaluation of Sweden’s development cooperation with Liberia (2003–2020), several positive outcomes were identified, including new building standards, contractor capacity building and improved road quality. Embassy reports and previous studies also show that the roads have increased access to markets and services.
However, one major question remains unanswered: what long-term effects have the roads had on people’s finances and living conditions?
In order to answer this question, the EBA has commissioned a new study in which AidData researchers will use maps and satellite data to analyse changes in different areas since the construction of roads. Among other things, they aim to establish:
- Whether the roads have affected incomes, jobs, and everyday finances.
- whether there are any unexpected effects, both positive and negative
- Under what conditions road projects actually do the most good.
Although Sweden’s development cooperation in Liberia is set to end on 31 August 2026, we hope that the results will be valuable for many other countries and contexts, where improving roads and infrastructure can strengthen development and create opportunities for people in rural areas.
The study is being conducted by AidData researchers Ariel BenYishay, Rachel Sayers and Pratap Khattri.
Torbjörn Becker is the reference group chair and Ravneet Singh is the project manager at EBA.