Comparative Analysis of Combined Effects of Transport and Urban Morphology on Public Health in Two African Capitals

VREFMAC, Mobility and Access in African Cities

EP-2019-MAC-05 

Main Applicant: Adams, Charles
Affiliation: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana

Partners:

  • Dr. Williams Ackaah,  Building and Roads Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana
  • Dr. Clifford Amoako,  Dept. of Planning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
  • Dr. Esmeranda Manful, Dept. of Sociology and Social Work, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
  • Dr. Gift Dumedah, Dept.of Geography, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
  • Dr. Yeetey Enuameh, Dept. of Public Health, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
  • Dr. Eric Yankson,  Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
  • Dr. Nnenesi Kgabi,  Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
  • Mrs. Michelle Maree,  Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
  • Dr. Steven Jones,  Namibia U. of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia /U.of Alabama, USA
  • Dr. Seth Appiah-Opoku,  Department of Geography, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA,
  • Dr. Emmanuel Adanu,  Alabama Transportation Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA

Abstract

The proposed project is intended to provide an in-depth analysis comparing and contrasting how urban transport impacts health outcomes in urban environments within the African context. The research will explore health-related impacts of transport in two African capitals, Accra and Windhoek. 

Accra reflects its heritage as a colonial-era city and Windhoek was originally shaped by its segregationist past. Both cities now continue to evolve, absorbing peri-urban areas into the suburban and urban framework that have exacerbated the dependency on motorized forms of transport. Poor mix of land uses and vehicle dominated access management on roadways in both cities have resulted in walking and cycling being rendered difficult and to be avoided if possible. Poor road network connectivity, traffic management in conjunction with poorly planned land use and sprawling urban form coupled with rapid urbanization has upheld the primacy of the automobile. Additionally, both cities are traversed by relatively high freight traffic flows connecting seaports to other regions of the countries and to neighboring African states. 

All of these issues have given rise to adverse impacts on personal safety and security as well as poor health outcomes due to increased exposure to pollution (air and noise), diminished opportunities for physical activity, and generalized stress. These negative outcomes have also disproportionately affected vulnerable groups in both cities including the elderly, disabled, youth, women, and low resource and marginalized populations.