Transport Services and Their Impact on Poverty and Growth in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Recent Research and Future Research Needs

Abstract

This paper reviews recent transport services research in rural sub-Saharan Africa, with reference to the crucial significance of transport services for reducing poverty and encouraging growth. It focuses on issues key to improved well-being: generation of direct employment, broader economic effects on agricultural and off-farm activities, and social effects regarding health and education. Throughout, the emphasis is on implications for vulnerable groups. Attention is drawn to the potential of recent developments, notably connectivities associated with motorcycle taxis and the rapid expansion of mobile phones. Significant knowledge gaps in the transport services arena are identified, from impacts of climate change, conflict and pedestrian porterage to the economic valuation of transport, village transport operations and road safety. Suggestions are made regarding the type of studies and methods which could help to reduce some of these gaps.

Keywords:

• transport services
• vulnerability
• employment
• road safety
• connectivity
• motor-cycle taxis

Acknowledgements

I am most grateful for the information and advice I received from numerous transport specialists in compiling this review paper, including participants in transport sessions at the UK African Studies Association conference, Leeds University, and at a meeting organized by Elizabeth Jones at DFID (both in September 2012); Camilla Lema, George Banjo and John Riverson at SSATP; and members of AFCAP's Steering Group. A version of the paper was presented at the 6th Africa Transportation Technology Transfer T2 conference, Gaborone, 4–8 March 2013. My thanks also to the four journal reviewers for their helpful comments.