Infrastructure development in the West African extractive industry: a system thinking approach.

Obiri, Kwadwo Ayeh; Bjeirmi, Bassam; Moore, David; Boateng, Prince

Abstract

The extractive industry in the West African region contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the host communities and the wider economies of resource-rich countries. However, the spill-over effects to the domestic suppliers and the wider economy are hampered by several factors key among is infrastructure development (ID). This study employs multi-strategy approach comprising system thinking tool of causal loop diagram (CLD) to identify key variables and high leverage points underpinning and affecting ID to enhance insight and understanding and interrelationships in the phenomenon under consideration. The literature on the case countries, Ghana and Nigeria, is used to map CLD for infrastructure validated via semi-structured interviews. The CLD demonstrates that strategic investment in infrastructure will boost economic growth, mitigate the negative secondary impacts of the extractive industry and quell social upheaval in host communities. Policy options are recommended for improving infrastructure development.

Citation

OBIRI, K.A., BJEIRMI, B., MOORE, D. and BOATENG, P. 2020. Infrastructure development in the West African extractive industry: a system thinking approach. In Scott, L. and Neilson, C.J. (eds.) Proceedings of the 36th Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) annual conference 2020 (ARCOM 2020), 7-8 September 2020, [virtual conference]. Leeds: ARCOM [online], pages 275-284. Available from: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/archive/2020-Indexed-Papers.pdf

• Conference Name: 36th Association of Researchers in Construction Management annual conference 2020 (ARCOM 2020)
• Conference Location: [virtual conference]
• Start Date: Sep 7, 2020
• End Date: Sep 8, 2020
• Acceptance Date: Jul 8, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 8, 2020
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2020
• Deposit Date: Dec 11, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 11, 2020
• Publisher: ARCOM Association of Researchers in Construction Management
• Pages: 275-284
• Book Title: Proceedings of 36th Association of Researchers in Construction Management annual conference 2020 (ARCOM 2020)
• ISBN: 9780995546332
• Keywords: Causal loop diagram; Extractive industry; Infrastructure; System thinking
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1005459
• Publisher URL: https://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/archive/2020-Indexed-Papers.pdf