IFRTD has very strong and dedicated
membership in the ESA region. The membership consists of national
networks [NFGs] in 7 countries, namely, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa, individual memberships
from Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Lesotho, and institutional
partners such as ILO ASIST Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa Transport
Programme [SSATP], UN Habitat, Animal Traction Network for Eastern
and Southern Africa [ATNESA] and ITDG East Africa.
Click here for more information about IFRTD affiliated national networks (NFGs) in East and Southern Africa.
Policy advocacy has been an important output
of the NFGs in the region. For example, in 2004, the NFG in
Tanzania held a half day dialogue session with over 150 members
of parliament to discuss institutional framework for rural roads
financing and management and issues related to rural access
and poverty reduction in Tanzania. In Kenya, the NFG, working
with partners such as ITDG, KENDAT and ILO ASIST, worked to
influence the removal of import taxes on bicycles. In Zimbabwe,
the NFG has been working closely to have the national transport
strategy incorporate more pro-poor orientations.
The networks are involved in a range of research,
policy advocacy and networking activities. Key research activities
carried out in the region include work on transport and HIV
AIDS along major transport corridors, links between transport
and poverty, and case studies on inland water transport in Lake
Victoria. New themes for research include rural
transport hubs, rural transport safety, and mobility and
health.
For more information contact:
Peter Njenga,
IFRTD regional coordinator,
Eastern and Southern Africa Region
P.O Box 314 Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: peternjenga@wananchi.com
or peter@ifrtd.org
Tel: +254 72 2360860 or + 254 20 883323
