(WK-2023-EP-2)
Project Leader: Jack Jenkins
Dept of Anthropology, Durham University, South Road, Durham, UK.
Partners:
- Gina Porter, Professor of Anthropology, Durham University, UK
- Regina Obilie Amoako-Sakyi, Sr Lecturer, Dept of Geography and Regional Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of HumaniUes and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
- Albert Abane, Dept of Geography and Regional Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, College of HumaniUes and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
- Samuel Asiedu Owusu, Sr Research Fellow, Directorate of Research, InnovaUon and Consultancy (DRIC), University of Cape Coast, Ghana
- Wesley D. Anderson, Researcher, LIDA-Research (LIDA-R), Ganta, Liberia
Abstract
This project investigates children’s daily mobility challenges in two secondary cites in West Africa – Cape Coast, Ghana and Ganta, Liberia. Using participatory peer research methods, children aged 9-18 will be trained as co-researchers to explore children’s walking experiences in growing urban centres.
The research addresses knowledge gaps about children’s mobility in secondary cities, where inadequate infrastructure and surging motorised transport growth create disproportionate risks for child pedestrians. Comparisons between Cape Coast, where we previously used peer research methods to study children’s mobility challenges more than fifteen years ago, and the less urbanised context of Ganta, will provide unique insights into the impacts of urbanisation on children’s mobility over time and across contexts. The peer research methodology empowers children to shape the research process and ensures their perspectives and voices are heard. The research will capture mobility needs, risks, and coping strategies used by children to overcome the challenges of walking in these cities.
Workshops will be organised to allow sharing of experiences and findings between the Ghanaian and Liberian groups of peer researchers, and with key stakeholders in both countries. Findings will inform policy and planning in secondary cities to promote safe, walkable environments for young people.