An integrated model for quantifying accessibility-benefits in developing countries

The interaction between accessibility and rural development is a subject of current concern. The degree of accessibility determines the ability of individuals to participate in development and other social activities. The paper describes the development of a numerical method for quantifying accessibility-benefits suitable for application in developing countries. The methodology provides an integrated approach to analysing accessibility by considering all constraints faced by individuals, particularly their income. The method can be used to evaluate different accessibility-enhancing strategies, and to quantify the benefits derived by different groups of individuals under various states of socio-economic development in rural areas of developing countries. The application of the accessibility-benefits model is demonstrated using two hypothetical case studies featuring the effects of improving intermediate means of transport and improving temporal strategies. The purpose of the case studies is to demonstrate how different accessibility-enhancing strategies can be related to the key model parameters, and to show the likely magnitude of the benefits, in monetary terms, that can be attained by individuals with different income levels. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.