Session Chair: Dr. Ernest Agyemang, Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography & Resource Development, University of Ghana
Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization, resulting in significant socio-economic challenges, particularly in the realm of transport infrastructure and services. Many Africa cities face peak hour traffic congestion, long commute times, traffic accidents and lack of access to centers of opportunities. Africa’s transport poverty is further exacerbated by limited intra-continental spatial interaction. The friction of distance, influenced by geographical, political, and linguistic barriers, hampers connectivity and economic integration.
Transport geography as a scientific discipline plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing scientific-based solutions for the sustainable movement of people, goods, and information. However, this role has been limited by several factors such as dearth of up-to-date and complete quantitative data, which is essential for fundamental research, informed decision-making and effective planning, as well as limited funding for research initiatives which restricts the scope and depth of transport geography studies. Also, qualitative studies may be difficult to conduct due to various barriers to be examined. Moreover, collaboration across disciplines in Africa is minimal which hinders the development of innovative approaches to transportation issues. Furthermore, African transport geographers often face challenges in publishing their findings in leading academic journals, which limits the dissemination of knowledge and best practices.
In this context, this workshop aims to bring together experts to discuss these challenges and share experiences and solutions for advancing research in transportation geography, with the purpose of addressing national and continental transportation needs.
Zoom Meeting Link: https://liverpool-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/93126711897?pwd=pyPDGBk9rEX3dziTlKbzJFiaV1ZITg.1