Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine if transportation and communication networks offer lessons for associated patterns with economic activity and a potential to influence poverty in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Theoretical framework. The theoretical framework of this study was based primarily on the research foundations of poverty theory, insight and interpretation drawn from open systems theory, modernization theory, dependency theory, international trade theory, and globalization theory. Together these theories formed the basis to explain and predict why transportation and communication networks are associated with economic activity in SSA. Methodological considerations. This research was a case study conducted through a multistrategy approach with a longitudinal design component that allowed for the examination of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables over a period of 30 years. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the predictive power of transportation and communication networks on associated patterns of economic activity. Findings. Some countries did not have data for every variable for every year, and data on cell phone and Internet usage did not exist for earlier years. Regression analyses were conducted for the 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2009 data sets. Overall, regression analyses produced findings that indicated that air traffic, paved roads, and cell phone subscriptions are associated with economic activities in SSA as reflected in GDP per capita. Conclusions and recommendations. The study determined that air traffic and roads were significantly associated with economic activities as reflected in GDP per capita in 1980 and 1990. So also was cell phone subscription in the 2000 and 2009 data sets. It cannot be concluded that GDP per capita can be predicted by transportation and communication networks as the first hypothesis was not confirmed for the 2000 and 2009 data, and there were no data to confirm the second hypothesis in 1980 and 1990. Yet, there are useful associations that policymakers should consider in formulating policies for economic development. It is recommended that there is a follow-up study on the impact of Internet and cell phone subscriptions on economic activities as more data become available.