The overall aim of this position paper was to inform the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) and other researchers during the development of a research agenda for the Mobility and Access in African Cities (MAC) initiative1. One of the thematic areas identified for future research is that of access and mobility needs among vulnerable users in low- income countries.
The paper was thus commissioned by the Volvo Research and Education Foundations (VREF) with a specific remit to focus on user needs and practices, and equity issues. The commission was based on the prem- ise that there is a substantial knowledge gap, especially in terms of ‘lack of in-depth qualitative studies of actual travel/mobility practices, problems and needs among heterogeneous groups in sub-Saharan Africa’.
The paper is part of a thematic series, which includes public transport system design; the shared transport sector; governance of mobility; and road traffic injury and transport-related air quality in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Objectives of this position paper
- To provide an overview of the state of current knowl- edge regarding user diversity and mobility practices in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities, with particular attention to understanding the needs of vulnerable populations;
- To highlight gaps in knowledge that might be ad- dressed by future research and education, with specific attention to the potential for an extended social science contribution;
- To summarise the state of research and research capacity around this theme.