Differentiated Choices of Urban Modes of Transport in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Challenges of Territorial Planning and Logics of the Stakeholders

Mohamed Ibrahim Ballo, Ousseny Sigue, Pawendkisgou Isidore Yanogo

Abstract


Urban transport in the metropolis of Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso) is multimodal. The choice of modes of transport by users is determined by various factors. Taking these factors into account leads to better mobility planning. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the factors that determine the choice of urban transport modes by users in the municipality of Ouagadougou. To achieve this, data on the fleet of different types of vehicles was collected from the General Directorate of Urban Mobility of Burkina Faso. Also, traffic counting operations and household surveys have been carried out. The systems approach was used for the analysis and interpretation of the results. The results of this study reveal that the two-wheeled motorcycle remains the dominant mode of urban transport in Ouagadougou, used by 67% of users. However, 4% of these motorcycle users explain this modal choice of travel with regard to the flexibility offered by the motorcycle to avoid road congestion. Also, the motorcycle connects the different districts of the city that are not accessible by public transit because of the low level of development of the road network. Walking as a mode of transport occupies only 1% of users. This situation can be explained by the lack of pedestrian paths, the effect of high temperatures and the low income of some households. Indeed, 100% of users on foot say they walk for their trips because of a lack of financial means. Urban development and the implementation of an inclusive public transport system are essential for better mobility of the population in Ouagadougou.

Keywords: Urban transport, modal choice, territorial planning, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

© 2025 Serbian Geographical Society, Belgrade, Serbia.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Serbia.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Africa Logistics. (2020). Mobility and accessibility of urban transport in Africa: the challenges? Magazine, the Logistic Journal of African Decision-Makers. https://www.africalogisticsmagazine.com/?q=fr/content/mobilite-et-accessibilite-des-transports-urbains-en-afrique

Ballo, M., I., Bamas S., & Yanogo P., I. (2022). Parking issues in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Science and Technology, Letters, Human and Social Sciences, 38(2), 57-81. https://revuesciences-techniquesburki-na.org/index.php/lettres_sciences_sociales_et_hum/article/view/1365

Belaitouche, A., & Nait, O. (2017). Analysis of demand through the economic behavior of public transport users in the city of Bejaia (Algeria) [Master's thesis in economics, option: transport economics, Abderrahmane Mira University of Bejaia].

Bouda, P. (2017). Public transport and urban mobility in the city of Ouagadougou: the case of Sotraco [Graduation thesis, National School of Financial Authorities].

Boyer, F., & Delaunay, D. (2009). Settlement of Ouagadougou and urban development. Cooperation and Cultural Action Service of the Embassy of France.

Cisse, C. (2016). Transport and mobility in African cities: Issues and challenges. Economic Analysis, Editions L'Afrique des idées.

Deroux, C. (2016). Developing the practice of walking in metropolises: challenges and implementation of an action programme. Grenoble Institute of Urban Planning.

Duranton, I. (2016). Buses and coaches: what are the safety rules? Notre Temps. https://www.notretemps.com/droit-argent/droit-du-consommateur/bus-et-autocars-quelles-sont-les-regles-de-securite-16056#:~:text=Selon%20la%20F%C3%A9d%C3%A9ration%20nationale%20desfois%20moins%20qu’en%20moto

Mahamat, H. H. (2015). Urban Mobilities and Planning, The Case of N'Djamena [Doctoral thesis, University of Bordeaux Montaigne]. https://theses.hal.science/tel-01222332

Meite, Y. (2014). Urban transport governance and sustainable mobility in the district of Abidjan (Ivory Coast) [Doctoral thesis in Sociology, University of Strasbourg]. https://theses.hal.science/tel-01140115

Millet, T. (2016). The optimization of a Public Transit project in a dedicated lane: a proposed method for the case of the Montreal tramway [Master's thesis in urban studies, Université de Québec à Montréal].

Nallet, C. (2018). The challenge of urban mobility in Africa. The case of the Addis Ababa Light Rail. IFRI ratings.

National Institute of Statistics and Demography (2022). Fifth General Population and Housing Census of Burkina Faso. Synthesis of the final results. National Institute of Statistics and Demography.

Nikiema, A., Bonnet, E., Sidbega, S., & Ridde, V. (2017). Road accidents in Ouagadougou, an indicator of urban management. Health and Urban Policies, 78, 89–111. https://doi.org/10.7202/1039340ar

Pires, A. (1997). Sampling & qualitative research: theoretical and methodological essay. School of Criminology, University of Ottawa.

Sigue, O. (2008). Public transport in Ouagadougou: the case of taxis [Master's thesis, University of Ouagadougou].

Sigue, O. (2022). Success of the "Taxi-moto" tricycle in Ouagadougou. Science and Technology, Letters, Human and Social Sciences, 38(1), 9-30.

Stucki, M. (2016). Sustainable mobility and accessibility policies in African cities. Africa Transport Policy Programme.

Tapsoba, C., & Dioma, J.C. (1990). Two-wheeled exhibition at the National Culture Week, Bobo-Dioulasso. Directorate of Cultural Heritage.

Thomas, H., Laurence, H., M., Samuel, C., & Jean-Pierre, M. (2008). Systemic approach to the functioning of a hedgerowed agricultural territory. Revue L'espace géographique, 37, 270-286. https://www.cairn.info/revue-espace-geographique-2008-3-page-270.htm

Zongo, S., A. (2005). Environmental impact study of the development project for the second phase of the Zone of Various Activities (ZAD II) of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Inter-School of Rural Equipment Engineers.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.