Rural transport health and safety in sub-Saharan Africa: Online survey snapshot of expert opinion

Abstract

Rural transportation in sub-Saharan Africa is a complicated and often contradictory endeavour. This article presents the results of an Internet-based survey deployed to elicit expert input on rural transport health and safety issues. The survey was specifically aimed at capturing priorities and opinions with regard to potential research needs. A total of 65 responses to the survey were received from transport and public health professionals from 25 countries across five continents. Descriptive analysis of the responses revealed varying concerns and priorities across different issues reflecting underlying themes of poverty and gender. Cluster analyses showed the complexities of interrelationships among issues. The results can form the basis for future studies and discussions needed to continue addressing the myriad transport-related issues impeding development in sub-Saharan Africa.