This ARP-MAC addresses the theme of equitable, affordable, and reliable access to livelihoods and services in African cities. The goal is tosupport research and policy towards integrating popular transportation modes—such as minibuses, motorcycle taxis, and walking—into urban planning as a means of enhancing the quality of life for urban residents, especially marginalized groups.
Consortium leader
Dr. Josephine Malonza
Host institution
University of Rwanda
Main partner organizations
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), University of Oxford (UK), and Aalto University (Finland)
The point of departure for the program’s approach is that while there is a growing recognition of the importance of these popular transport systems, existing efforts tend to focus on integrating specific modes into formal transport systems. At the same time, integration between and among popular transport modes offers the most potential to deliver more equity and reduce transport-related social exclusion among disadvantaged populations and communities.
The consortium will employ a decolonial systems intelligence framework to analyze mobility practices, experiences, and adaptation strategies of residents in selected cities in Rwanda and Ghana. An important aim is to explore how to overcome barriers to equitable access and improve infrastructure configurations that benefit underserved neighborhoods.
Key activities will include stakeholder engagements and the development of policy papers to promote the integration of popular transport systems. Through this program, POINT also aims to support next generation scholars and establish a sustainable research network to drive transformative changes in urban mobility in Africa.