https://ojs.revistaclio.es/index.php/edicionesclio/

BY: se debe dar crédito al creador.

NC: Solo se permiten usos no comerciales de la obra.

SA: Las adaptaciones deben compartirse bajo los mismos términos.

Recibido: 2025-03-27 Aceptado: 2025-05-21

Página 1633

Participatory road infrastructure and Sustainable

Development Goals: an andean model for sustainable

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Correo: juan.suarez@untrm.edu.pe

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0597-6370

Manayay, Freddy A.

Correo: freddy.manayay@untrm.edu.pe

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1790-0107

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Correo: wilfredo.ruiz@untrm.edu.pe

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1917-3625

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Correo: gperales2402@gmail.com

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1947-6933

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15550344

Abstract

This article analyzes the Participatory Road Development Plan for Cutervo

Province (Peru), focusing on how road strategies can promote local economic

development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Using a

participatory methodology and tools such as georeferenced road inventory and

geographic information systems (GIS), the study identifies priority routes for

intervention and proposes strategies that integrate road connectivity

improvement with the promotion of local production, sustainable rural tourism,

and environmental management practices. The results show that only 6.5% of

the routes are paved, limiting access to basic services and markets and affecting

Mechanical and electrical engineering professional school, National University Toribio Rodríguez of

Mendoza, Amazonas, Bagua 01721, Perú.

Biosystems engineering professional school, National University Toribio Rodríguez of Mendoza,

Amazonas, Chachapoyas 01001, Perú.

University professor. Nacional University Toribio Rodríguez of Mendoza: Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Perú.

Nobel researcher. Nacional University Toribio Rodríguez of Mendoza: Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Perú.

Sección: Artículo científico  2025, julio-diciembre, año 5, No. 10, 1633-1654

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1634

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1634

the quality of life and economic opportunities of the population. The analysis

and discussion of the results reveal the importance of addressing road

infrastructure as a key driver of local sustainable development, proposing

recommendations for future policies that further integrate the economic, social,

and environmental dimensions in road planning.

Keywords: Road infrastructure, sustainable development, community

participation, SDGs, Peru.

Infraestructura vial participativa y Objetivos de Desarrollo

Sostenible: un modelo andino para la sostenibilidad

Resumen

El presente artículo analiza el Plan de Desarrollo Vial Participativo para la

provincia de Cutervo (Perú), enfocándose en cómo las estrategias viales pueden

promover el desarrollo económico local, la equidad social y la sostenibilidad

ambiental. A través de una metodología participativa y el uso de herramientas

como el inventario georreferenciado de carreteras y Sistemas de Información

Geográfica (GIS), el estudio identifica las rutas prioritarias para la intervención y

propone estrategias que integran la mejora de la conectividad vial con la

promoción de la producción local, el turismo rural sostenible y prácticas de

gestión ambiental. Los resultados muestran que solo 6,5% de las rutas están

pavimentadas, lo que limita el acceso a servicios básicos y mercados, afectando

la calidad de vida y las oportunidades económicas de la población. El análisis y

discusión de los resultados revelan la importancia de abordar la infraestructura

vial como un eje articulador del desarrollo local sostenible, proponiendo

recomendaciones para políticas futuras que integren aún más la dimensión

económica, social y ambiental en la planificación de infraestructuras viales.

Palabras clave: Infraestructura vial, desarrollo sostenible, participación

comunitaria, ODS, Perú.

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1635

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1635

Introduction

The province of Cutervo, located in the Cajamarca region of Peru, presents

a critical paradox in its development trajectory (Tirado et al., 2024). Despite

72% of its population relying on agricultural and livestock activities, only 6.5%

of its 2,163.96 km road network is paved (Aguirre et al., 2018). This

infrastructural deficit escalates logistical costs by approximately 40% and

restricts access to essential services for 65% of rural communities (Jaramillo,

2024). Such structural disconnection not only perpetuates multidimensional

poverty affecting 34% of the population but also exacerbates environmental

degradation due to unsustainable agricultural practices in hard-to-reach areas

(World Bank, 2007).

In response to these challenges, the Participatory Provincial Road Plan

(PVPP) 2023–2028 has been initiated as a pioneering strategy aimed at

transforming road infrastructure into a catalyst for sustainable development.

Unlike traditional policies, the PVPP incorporates three foundational pillars:

active community participation in route prioritization, resilient design tailored to

mountainous terrains and explicit alignment with Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs): 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate

Action). This integrative approach seeks not only to enhance physical

connectivity but also to strengthen social cohesion and environmental resilience

within the region (Vitale & Cotella, 2020).

This study aims to assess the feasibility of the PVPP by proposing a

theoretical and practical framework for transforming road infrastructure into a

driver of sustainable development in Andean regions. The analysis was included

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1636

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1636

a review of previous road design experiences in Cutervo, such as the projects in

the Cutervo–Angurra, Cutervo–Cullanmayo, and Cutervo–La Conga segments,

which have addressed similar challenges related to topography and community

involvement. Moreover, the study investigated the impact of informality on road

planning, acknowledging that 46.6% of roads lack registration, which

significantly hinders the effective implementation of public policies in the region

(Quispe et al., 2023).

1. Theoretical background

The evolution of road planning in rural areas has been characterised by a

transition from technical-centralist approaches to participatory and ecological

models (Kacar, Curic & Ikic, 2016). Theories such as Human Scale

Development (Max-Neef) emphasise the necessity of incorporating local

priorities into infrastructure (Cameron, 2023), while the Socio-Ecological

Systems Approach underscores the interdependence between connectivity and

environmental conservation (Ostrom, 2009). The extant literature emphasises the

pivotal role of adequate rural road infrastructure in the context of territorial

development (Lu et al., 2022). As Ahmed & Eklund (2019) observe, greater

accessibility in rural areas can facilitate market access and service utilization,

thereby reducing poverty levels, a finding that aligns with the conclusions of

Hettige's study. Recent studies demonstrate that the prevalence of local and

secondary roads in rural areas (as evidenced by the 88.4% identified in Cutervo)

is indicative of the absence of integration with larger networks, thereby

constraining economic opportunities (Asher & Novosad, 2020). Furthermore, the

absence of road registration, with 46.6% of vehicles unregistered in Cutervo,

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1637

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1637

complicates the processes of planning and financing, thereby reducing the

effectiveness of public policies by 60%, as Asher & Novosad (2020) have

observed. With regard to the condition of the roads, Meijer et al. (2018) have

indicated that substandard road infrastructure can lead to increased logistics costs

and reduced mobility. In this regard, Ahmed & Eklund (2019) emphasize the

necessity of paving strategies that are adapted to local conditions in mountainous

areas to ensure durability.

Conversely, research has indicated that community involvement in road

planning can enhance the sustainability of interventions (Barrett et al., 2017). For

instance, Afolabi and Oyetubo (2016) discovered that female participation in

road committees enhances project sustainability by 35%. Charlery, Qaim &

Smith (2016) demonstrate that enhancing the quality of rural infrastructure has a

multiplier effect on development by facilitating access to markets and increasing

agricultural productivity. Aguirre et al. (2018) caution that inadequate

infrastructure can lead to the isolation of rural communities, thereby amplifying

existing inequalities. Finally, Jaramillo (2024) proposes that regional

development policies should include not only the construction but also the

ongoing maintenance of the road network to promote more equitable

development.

In the case of Cutervo, these frameworks are applied in a critical manner.

While the PVPP adopts a participatory approach, challenges remain, such as the

low representation of women in workshops (only 22% of participants) and the

lack of legal incentives to formalize roads. The extant literature supports the

necessity of adopting an integrated approach to road planning, combining geo-

referenced inventories, multi-criteria prioritization indices (Shrestha, 2025) and

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1638

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1638

community participation (Saragih et al., 2025) to efficiently target public

investment. The Cutervo Participatory Provincial Road Plan incorporates these

elements by building on a detailed diagnosis of the existing network and

integrating sustainability and equity criteria into its intervention strategies.

2. Methodology

The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed exploratory design by

Creswell (2018), combine: 1. Qualitative phase: A total of 20 participatory

workshops were conducted across 15 districts, with a stratified selection process

employed to ensure the participation of 150 individuals, including community

leaders, farmers, and women. This selection process involved a systematic

sampling technique known as snowball sampling. A total of 30 semi-structured

interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including Ministry of

Transport Officials and Environmental Non-governmental Organisations

(NGOs). 2. Quantitative phase: The georeferencing of 252 routes was conducted

using Garmin 64s GPS, with the resulting data subsequently integrated into

ArcGIS to calculate accessibility indices. A survey was conducted on 300

households, with a sampling error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%. The

objective of the survey was to measure the socio-economic impact. The validity

of the study was ensured by the following: Methodological triangulation: A

comparison is to be made between workshop data and satellite records. The

present study will be subject to external peer review. The present study aims to

validate the Road Prioritisation Index (RPI) by the Centre for Andean Studies.

Ethical protocols: The issue of informed consent and the anonymity of

participants is of paramount importance.

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1639

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

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2.1. Geographical location, territorial extension and altitudinal range.

The province of Cutervo is located in the center of the department of

Cajamarca, within the coordinates 06º 22' 48.72“south latitude and 78º 49'

58.81” west longitude. Its altitude varies between 1,001 and 2,655 meters

above sea level, with the provincial capital located at 2,655 meters above sea

level. The territorial extension of the province ranges from 34.82 km² to

687.00 km², with the provincial capital at 431.03 km² (Suárez, 2024).

Figure 1. Location map of the town of Cutervo

source: Suárez, 2024

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1640

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

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The development of the “Participatory Provincial Road Plan of Cutervo

2023-2028” relied on a variety of essential resources for identifying and

prioritizing road interventions. One fundamental resource was the Georeferenced

Road Inventory, which provided a detailed mapping of the province's network of

local and rural roads. Through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS)

technology and georeferencing systems, the length, condition, surface type, and

connectivity of each route were documented. This data was integrated into a

Geographic Information System (GIS), which allowed for a visual representation

of routes and intervention areas, facilitating the identification of priority and

vulnerable areas in terms of connectivity. To ensure compliance with current

regulations, legal documents and guidelines from the Ministry of Transport and

Communications and the National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN)

were employed, providing the regulatory framework for road planning

(Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017; Suárez, 2024).

The methodology adopted for formulating the PVPP in Cutervo was

participatory and decentralized, following several stages. The process began with

the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data, including geographic,

socioeconomic, and climatic information, which allowed for an assessment of

the physical conditions of the roads and associated risks. Subsequently, a

situational diagnosis of the road infrastructure was conducted, which enabled an

evaluation of the current state of connectivity and the identification of

construction and maintenance needs. This diagnosis was supported by a

demographic and socioeconomic analysis, using data from the National Institute

of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), to identify areas with the greatest

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1641

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

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infrastructure deficiencies (Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017;

Suárez, 2024).

A Road Prioritization Index was later developed, evaluating multiple

criteria such as access to basic services, connectivity to production centers, and

road passability. This index enabled the classification of routes according to

urgency and potential economic and social impact. Once the priority

interventions were identified, specific proposals for road construction,

maintenance, and rehabilitation were formulated, categorizing them into main

and secondary routes. For each intervention, technical strategies were defined,

considering factors such as the use of appropriate materials and paving solutions

for high-demand areas (Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017;

Suárez et al., 2024).

The PVPP also included a monitoring and evaluation scheme, establishing

indicators to measure the progress of each intervention. The monitoring is

carried out by a Technical Monitoring Team, which periodically assesses the

plan’s impact in terms of reduced travel times, improved connectivity, and

increased traffic flow. Furthermore, sustainability approaches were integrated,

incorporating climate change adaptation measures and promoting community

participation in the planning and maintenance of road infrastructure. These

methods ensure a comprehensive approach aimed at improving Cutervo’s

connectivity and fostering sustainable socio-economic development in the

province (Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017; Suárez et al.,

2024).

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1642

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1642

2.2. Community participatory approach

The formulation of the Participatory Provincial Road Plan (PVPP) in

Cutervo incorporated a participatory approach involving community workshops,

surveys, and interviews with local stakeholders, such as farmers’ associations,

community leaders, and municipal authorities. These efforts were undertaken to

capture the community’s needs and expectations regarding road infrastructure.

The information gathered was integrated into the development of the plan

through a monitoring committee composed of community representatives, who

provide continuous feedback and oversee the progress of the interventions. In

response to community feedback during the workshops, specific routes

connecting agricultural communities to regional markets were prioritized,

ensuring that the PVPP reflects the economic and social interests of Cutervo’s

residents.

2.3. Alignment with national policies

The PVPP has been designed in alignment with national development and

infrastructure policies, particularly those outlined in the National

Competitiveness and Productivity Plan (PNCP) and the Bicentennial Plan. These

policies aim to promote infrastructure in rural areas, with the objective of

reducing access gaps and fostering social inclusion. Additionally, the PVPP

follows the guidelines of the National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN)

and the Ministry of Transport and Communications, ensuring that interventions

comply with national regulations and support regional development goals. For

comparison, the Lambayeque Road Infrastructure Project, 2021-2026 (Suárez et

al., 2024), in Peru has significantly improved connectivity and access to regional

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1643

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1643

markets in rural areas. Similarly, the Cutervo PVPP prioritizes high-demand

routes that facilitate mobility and economic growth, demonstrating an approach

aligned with these successful cases in the country.

2.4. Methodological process

The development of the Participatory Provincial Road Plan of Cutervo

began with preparatory activities, including the formation of a multidisciplinary

team composed of engineers, planners, and representatives from the Provincial

Municipality of Cutervo, as well as specialists from Decentralized Provías.

Partnerships were established with local authorities and civil society

representatives to ensure community participation in the planning process. This

approach facilitated a better understanding of the province's specific needs and

allowed the plan to reflect the expectations of Cutervo’s residents. Resources,

such as funding, technical equipment, and field personnel, were also allocated

for the project’s development (Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones,

2017)

The second phase consisted of gathering secondary information based on

strategic plans, such as the Regional Concerted Development Plan of Cajamarca.

Logistic corridors connecting Cutervo to regional and national markets, as well

as the main production chains, particularly in the agricultural and livestock

sectors, were also analyzed. This analysis helped identify key routes and areas

where improved connectivity would enhance local economic development

(Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017)

Subsequently, a detailed provincial diagnosis was conducted through a

georeferenced road inventory that documented the existing network of roads.

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1644

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1644

With the support of GPS devices and GIS systems, the length, condition, and

surface type of each road were recorded. Socioeconomic and demographic data

from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) were also

considered to map areas with the greatest infrastructure needs. The connectivity

gap was calculated in terms of access to basic services, such as education and

healthcare, identifying zones that required either rehabilitation or new roads

(Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017).

Finally, a Rural Road Prioritization Index was developed, evaluating

criteria such as economic competitiveness and access to services. This allowed

for the classification of routes into primary and secondary categories and the

establishment of specific interventions for construction, maintenance, and

rehabilitation. To implement the plan, a multi-year schedule was designed with

goals and potential funding sources, including options for private participation,

such as Works for Taxes. The methodological process also included a

monitoring and evaluation scheme to measure the impact of interventions,

focusing on sustainability and long-term environmental management (Ministerio

de Transportes y Comunicaciones, 2017).

3. Results

3.1. Road system and road surface

The analysis of the provincial road network revealed that Cutervo has 252

registered roads. Of these, 10.8% are classified as national roads, 0.8% as

departmental roads, and 88.4% as local roads. In the neighbourhood network

(communal and rural roads), 41.8% of the roads have been officially registered,

while 46.6% have not been registered. The total length of the provincial road

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1645

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

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system is 2,163.96 km. Of the total number of roads, only 6.5% are surfaced

with asphalt, 59.8% are surfaced with stabilised earth pavement, 24.5% are

unimproved (i.e. beaten earth), and the remaining 9.2% are trails or footpaths.

The data suggest that the network is predominantly unpaved, a factor that

significantly impacts trafficability, particularly during the rainy season. (Table

1).

Table 1. Route classifier by surface type

Source: own elaboration (2025)

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1646

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

Página 1646

Figure 2. Type of surface of the Province of Cutervo

source: Own elaboration (2025)

3.2. Social and economic impact or impact evaluation

The social impact of the Cutervo PVPP is reflected in improved access to

basic services. Reduced travel times will facilitate access to healthcare and

education services, allowing residents to reach emergency medical services and

advanced educational opportunities, thereby promoting social inclusion and

human development. From an economic standpoint, the plan aims to stimulate

the local economy by providing adequate road infrastructure for the transport of

agricultural and livestock products. An improvement in agricultural productivity

is anticipated in the areas benefiting from the PVPP, due to reduced logistical

costs and direct access to broader regional markets. These projections underscore

the fundamental role of road infrastructure in strengthening the local economy

and supporting sustainable development in the province.

Clío. Revista de Historia, Ciencias Humanas y Pensamiento Crítico

ISSN: 2660-9037 / Provincia de Pontevedra - España

Suárez Rivadeneira, Juan Eduardo

Manayay, Freddy A.

Ruiz Camacho, Wilfredo

Perales Rojas, Ghilmar Brayan

Participatory road infrastructure and

Sustainable Development Goals: an andean

model for sustainable

Página 1647

Año 5, No. 10, julio-diciembre, 2025

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3.3. Analysis and discussion of the results

The analysis of the road network in the province of Cutervo reveals a

predominance of secondary roads, which constitute 88.4% of the 252 roads

identified. This distribution reflects a common phenomenon in rural areas,

where, as Shrestha (2025) emphasizes, the prevalence of feeder roads indicates a

lack of integration into broader road networks, limiting both connectivity and

economic opportunities. In Cutervo's case, the low proportion of national and

departmental roads suggests a disconnection that could hinder regional

development by restricting access to markets and essential services.

A concerning aspect is that 46.6% of Cutervo's rural roads are

unregistered, a situation that aligns with the findings of Barrett et al. (2017).

These authors argue that the lack of road registration is a critical issue in rural

areas, where informality complicates effective planning and access to

maintenance funds. This issue is further aggravated by the absence of precise

data, making it difficult to implement adequate and sustainable infrastructure

policies.

Regarding surface quality, only 6.5% of Cutervo's roads are paved, while

24.5% remain unpaved, findings that are similar to those of Schweikert et al

(2014). They emphasize that poor road quality in rural areas is linked to higher

transportation costs, reduced access to services, and decreased mobility.

Additionally, the lack of pavement affects the local economy and may negatively

influence road safety. Jiménez, Bolívar & Segrera (2020) also suggest that

unpaved roads pose a significant risk to users due to their propensity for

deterioration and adverse weather conditions.