<P> They claim the state of evidence regarding these causal links is weak but some aspects of infrastructure development, including but not exclusive to road construction, has been shown to be effective in fragile country contexts . Quick Impact has not yet proven to be effective in enhancing peace building and security in Fragile and Conflict Affected States . </P> <P> Their literature search presented some evidence of road development resulting in employment sometimes for the most vulnerable and / or poor groups . They found case studies show road development programmes can produce short - term employment opportunities in fragile and conflict affected regions particularly applying to programmes where rural road development is carried out through community - driven development or with special emphasis on inclusion through participatory methods . Evidence is mostly limited to number of hours of employment generated or individuals employed and include little rigorous impact evaluation . </P> <P> There was also some evidence that rural road construction reduced isolation for minority groups and provided more opportunities for inclusion in wider economic activity . However, this evidence did not relate directly to reducing conflict or improving security . Poverty and isolation literature defines this as access to inputs and output markets, access to education and health services, and access to labour opportunities through which road access contributes to reduced poverty . </P> <P> Mostly qualitative evidence found suggests that rural road construction or maintenance has a positive impact on public service delivery . In general rural road development leads to improved access of both users and suppliers . This occurs due to a reduction in commuting time, as well transport costs but these benefits tend to accrue disproportionately to the influential and well - educated . Rural communities tend to ascribe great importance to road development and perceive it to improve access to markets, health and education facilities . </P>

How does a lack of infrastructure most likely affect poverty in rural india