Structure of Road Network Connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria (Published)
The structure of road network connectivity in any region can either promote or reduce agricultural production, market opportunities, cultural and social interactions as well as businesses and employment opportunities. This study evaluates road network connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria. Data on the existing road network including type and conditions, density and length of the roads in the study area were extracted from existing road map of Nigeria, and satellite imagery of the Benue basin. The data was analysed using different methods of network connectivity analysis including beta index, alpha and gamma indices. The findings reveal four types of roads network in the basin which are grouped into three categories namely: federal highways (trunk A), state government roads (trunk B) and local government and community roads (trunk C) which are in various state of deplorable conditions. The result of connectivity analysis reveals a beta index (β) of 0.98 for the basin, alpha index of -0.05, gamma index of 0.2 which indicates that Benue basin has poor road network connectivity. A comparative analysis of road network connectivity among the five states that fall within the basin shows variation among them with Benue and Taraba states having a better connectivity than others in the region. Based on the findings, the study noted that provision of effective roads network connectivity is fundamentally important to the development and well-being of the inhabitants of the Benue basin. The current road network connectivity of the basin needs urgent attentions to reposition the region for rapid socio-economic development. The study recommends funding of road infrastructure particularly building new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones in the region by it policy makers/stakeholders considering the fact that transport is the lifeline of the economy and social interactions.
Keywords: Benue basin, Connectivity, Nigeria, Structure, road network
Structure of Road Network Connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria (Published)
The structure of road network connectivity in any region can either promote or reduce agricultural production, market opportunities, cultural and social interactions as well as businesses and employment opportunities. This study evaluates road network connectivity in the Benue Basin of Nigeria. Data on the existing road network including type and conditions, density and length of the roads in the study area were extracted from existing road map of Nigeria, and satellite imagery of the Benue basin. The data was analysed using different methods of network connectivity analysis including beta index, alpha and gamma indices. The findings reveal four types of roads network in the basin which are grouped into three categories namely: federal highways (trunk A), state government roads (trunk B) and local government and community roads (trunk C) which are in various state of deplorable conditions. The result of connectivity analysis reveals a beta index (β) of 0.98 for the basin, alpha index of -0.05, gamma index of 0.2 which indicates that Benue basin has poor road network connectivity. A comparative analysis of road network connectivity among the five states that fall within the basin shows variation among them with Benue and Taraba states having a better connectivity than others in the region. Based on the findings, the study noted that provision of effective roads network connectivity is fundamentally important to the development and well-being of the inhabitants of the Benue basin. The current road network connectivity of the basin needs urgent attentions to reposition the region for rapid socio-economic development. The study recommends funding of road infrastructure particularly building new roads and rehabilitating the existing ones in the region by it policy makers/stakeholders considering the fact that transport is the lifeline of the economy and social interactions.
Keywords: Benue basin, Connectivity, Nigeria, Structure, road network