What Determines the Success or Failure of an IMT Project?

Rachel FlanaryC. Braimah, J. Tambatamba, A. Awadh & A. Diouf

World Bank Transport Forum27th – 31st March 2006

Presentation Objectives

To highlight some of the successes and failures of past IMT promotion efforts in SSA

To identify the key factors affecting the adoption and uptake of IMTs

What lessons can we learn?

What are the gaps?

Background

Study of past IMT interventions in 4 countries: Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania & Zambia

Aim: to identify what interventions have had a sustained impact on IMT use

Key elements of: supply, demand, affordability, credit, design and maintenance.

Why IMT?

Features of IMT ProjectMinor part of larger infrastructure project

Small % of total project costs (Zambia- 2.1%)

Generally one-off interventions

Implemented by NGO, sometimes handed over to district authorities

From limited demonstrations (Tanzania) to comprehensive intervention (Zambia)

Key Issues

Policy, Institutional and Regulatory Envt.Clear policy frameworkRegulation and taxation should encourage demand

SupplyBetter links between supply and demand. Encourage private sectorCritical mass for sustainabilityImprove awareness about IMTs

Key IssuesDemand: utility, income

Bicycle-trailers vs donkey-carts

Appropriateness: terrain, climate, infrastructure, utility etc.

AffordabilityCost as proportion of HH incomeWide variety in cost and purchasing power Not always function of cost

Key IssuesCredit

Encourages demand- particularly for new IMT

Low repayment

More viable for IMTs able to earn income

Need closer monitoring and follow-up.

Key IssuesDesign and Maintenance

Appropriate level of design

Develop capacity of local artisans

Critical mass for sustainability

Feedback mechanisms and links between user and supplier

Lessons from the StudyAffordability not just related to household income

Credit not successful using local govt institutions

Better repayment when higher financial return & multiple uses

Need to raise awareness of potential value of IMTs

Need appropriate level of design to fit maintenancecapacity.

Knowledge GapsWe still do not fully understand what triggers household IMT mode ownership

Why is IMT uptake is so much lower in Africa than Asia: density of demand?

Diffusion of IMTs from urban to rural areas: how this can be harnessed

Need to explore further ways of supporting the private sector in the promotion of IMTs

Conclusions

Case studies highlighted interesting issues

Range in scope of interventions- all small %Stronger supply links needed with private sectorDemand higher when IMT earns incomePerceptions of affordabilityCreditAppropriate level of demand & feedback

Still much we can learn…

Thank You!!