Patterns of transport-related social exclusion scholarship in Africa: a research agenda

Transport-related social exclusion is a well-researched area in many parts of the world, however in developing countries, particularly in Africa, where transport services and infrastructure are poor and inhibit the wellbeing of a majority of citizens, the area is significantly under-researched. This paper uses a bibliometric analysis to determine the current state of TRSE research in Africa. The results reflect that there is little research that addresses the issue directly. Much of the research is found to be related to other issues, such as health services, which access is affected by transport inaccessibility. There are however several studies that do specifically aim at researching TRSE, although these tend to consider specific geographical areas or issues, such as the impact on people with disability or the elderly. There is little that considers TRSE from a broader perspective. The findings reflect a need for extensive data, to ensure that proposed projects and policies are based on meaningful information. Future research directions should also consider the role of technology, as a tool in alleviating TRSE. The role of infrastructure requires investigation, particularly in urban environments. Finally, there is a specific need for local knowledge advancement, to enable the development of locally applicable solutions and policies.