A FRAMEWORK FOR RURAL ROADS ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING

Thesis Abstract

The concept of public participation and how it can be incorporated in transport planning was studied. Current planning methods and steps were reviewed, and a tool which incorporates public participation in planning (questionnaire) was developed. This study was carried out using questionnaires that incorporate socioeconomic factors that affect transportation in the rural areas of Kaduna State. Data were collected and processed via the following questionnaires, discussions, and interviews with the local communities. Community Masterplans were developed with GIS coordinates in Google Earth maps with precision and accuracy. Accessibility database was developed for the studied communities, using MYSQL, a computer program that manages database. A number of queries were performed which included trip frequency of females in Turunku, and the number of male travelers in Wusono with a modal option of bicycles, e.t.c. Additional accessibility indicators were determined, for example 150,600 for access to portable water supply and for other facilities like Healthcare Centers, Local Govt. Offices, e.t.c. Prioritization instructions were also updated in the community master plan. The study concluded by recommending the use of Participatory Approach to Transport Planning, and to diligently follow the necessary steps to achieve a proper and cost effective rural accessibility through participatory approach.