Inclusive climate resilient transport challenges in Africa

The authors examined the perceptions of inclusive mobility and climate-resilient transportation among key stakeholders in Africa. They explored how these ideas are currently put into practice, and if and how they are prioritised in transport planning.

In order to build a fuller picture, the researchers used a nested scale approach, which involved online continental survey of 136 respondents from 17 African countries; 2 country-level Focus Group Discussions in Uganda and Zambia; and city-level semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in Lusaka and Kampala. The authors also used a spatial questionnaire to identify where infrastructure improvements were required, and ran two workshops in the chosen cities.

The authors found that expanding infrastructure to support active travel (such as cycle lanes, pavements, and controlled junctions) was a priority for governments and non-governmental organisations due to its connection to road safety and health; climate resilience was less of a motivating factor. They also found that taking steps to upgrade existing infrastructure was more practical than trying to develop new alternatives.

They concluded by addressing the fact that promoting and providing climate resilient transport infrastructure is an issue of inclusion and equity. Climate resilience and inclusive mobility policies are in place, but the inconsistent application of and insufficient clarity around such policies is weakening their impact. This issue must be addressed urgently: climate change is most likely to impact the most vulnerable groups, the same groups who are impacted by mobility barriers. Engaging vulnerable transport users and empowering them to voice their mobility concerns is key to developing sustainable, resilient and equitable transport infrastructure in Africa.