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Rural Transport Services Indicators: Using a new mixed-methods methodology to inform policy in Ghana

Item

Title

Rural Transport Services Indicators: Using a new mixed-methods methodology to inform policy in Ghana

Date

2019

Language

English

Abstract

Rural people need access tomarkets and services. In developing countries, where private vehicle ownership is limited,
villagers depend on public transport services. However, research evidence available to inform policy formulation is
often extremely limited. To better understand the characteristics, costs, frequencies and acceptability of rural transport
services in Ghana, data was collected using a methodology developed by the International Forum for Rural Transport
and Development. Thismethodology combines traffic count data with structured qualitative interviews with transport
users, operators, regulators and local development experts. A key finding concerned motorcycle taxis which, although
officially banned in 2012, remain a common sight in rural Ghana and are generally appreciated by transport users and
other stakeholders. Following our presentation of findings to an audience of national stakeholders and policy-makers,
a consensus emerged to continue restricting commercial motorcycle operations in cities and on highways, but allowing
them on rural roads, if combined with appropriate safety training and regulations. These findings feed into an ongoing
policy debate about motorcycle taxi transport in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author

Afukaar, F.; Damsere-Derry, J.; Peters, K.; Starkey, P.

Collection

Citation

“Rural Transport Services Indicators: Using a new mixed-methods methodology to inform policy in Ghana,” CSIRSpace, accessed December 22, 2024, http://cspace.csirgh.com/items/show/1707.