An Appraisal of the Strategies for Effective Implementation of the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) in Osun State, Nigeria

The Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) faces challenges in effective implementation which may hinder its potential to improve rural accessibility, mobility, and economic development. Previous studies on rural road infrastructure projects, including RAMP, have not adequately assessed the effectiveness of implementation strategies in Osun State, Nigeria. This study, therefore, appraise the strategies for effective implementation of the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) in Osun State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Theory of Change, while concurrent mixed-method design approach was employed. Four-hundred and fifty respondents residing within the RAMP projects regions comprised Iwo, Ife and Ilesha were sampled using both probability and non-probability sampling procedures. A self-designed instrument was used to obtained information from the participants. Mean, standard deviation, t-test and correlation analysis were used for data analysis, while the responses from the KII were thematically analysed. The findings revealed that the top strategies for effective implementation of RAMP-2 in Osun State, Nigeria, comprised establishment of a dedicated project management unit, strengthen stakeholder coordination mechanisms, build capacity of local government institutions, enhance budget allocation efficiency, and ensure transparent and accountable funding. The study found a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.694, p < 0.05) between road infrastructure sustainability and effective implementation strategies of RAMP in Osun State, Nigeria. The study concluded that effective implementation of rural road projects requires dedicated project management units, stakeholder coordination, and local government capacity building, which significantly enhances road infrastructure sustainability. Therefore, policymakers and implementers should prioritize stakeholder engagement and participation in the planning and implementation of RAMP to ensure that projects meet community needs and expectations.