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This widely case study to investigate the magnitude of the transport burden incurred by women and men in order to obtain access to domestic facilities - collection of water and firewood in Sub-Saharan Africa has yet to be replicated. The study confirms that in SSA it is the women, assisted by their daughters, who are responsible for water and firewood collection and for travel to the grinding mill. By examining data from four household surveys in Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, the study shows that these domestic transport activities are both time consuming and burdensome. Water, firewood and crops for grinding are transported predominantly by women on foot, the load normally being carried on the head. The study shows that It is clear from this analysis that domestic transport needs to focus seriously on the issue of women's time and effort, and that improved access could potentially free up considerable resources for other more productive and welfare-enhancing activities, and/or allow for increased utilization of a facility which is conducive to household welfare. However, it is clear from an analysis of the experience of projects concerned with "non-transport interventions" that this potential is often not realized.

Case Study on the Role of Women in Rural Transport: Access of Women to Domestic Facilities