ABSTRACT
This paper examines the potential for applying child-centred research methodologies in West Africa within a specific transport and mobility research context. In Africa transport policy and planning is commonly a male-dominated preserve still focused principally on road building, with little attention paid to the transport needs of individual user groups, especially those of the poor and powerless (Booth et al. 2000, ODI, London. Final Report, June, p. 46). The specifics of children and young people’s transport and mobility needs are essentially unknown and unconsidered. This is an extremely short-sighted perspective, given the fact that today’s children represent Africa’s future: their access to health care and education are, not surprisingly, essential components of the Millennium Development Goals (Fay et al. 2005, World Development). Moreover, children of 6 years and above often make a substantial contribution to current household production and survival strategies.
