This paper approaches rural transport infrastructure development through the concept of accessibility. Rural access problems in developing countries are described and it is outlined how appropriate transport planning can attribute to poverty alleviation. Integrated Rural Accessibility Planning (IRAP) is identified as a planning framework which is based on the concept of accessibility and which uses indicators and participatory approaches to prioritise infrastructure projects, and therefore provide the most impact from limited donor budgets. In this context is introduced as an appropriate participatory, holistic and integrated planning tool. A number of aspects specific to the IRAP application in Cambodia are highlighted, such as: institutional position, levels of participation, Transport Infrastructure Inventory (TII), Asset Assessment, Geographical Information System (GIS), integrated planning and Cost Effectiveness (CE) analysis. The paper concludes with recommendations to improve IRAP application worldwide. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135448.
Abstract