A bibliometric analysis of AI and rural transport in Africa : research and policy directions

Abstract

While a growing body of evidence-based research is growing within the global North and East, such concomitant knowledge-based research has occurred in the Global South, with particular focus on Africa. It is acknowledged that the momentum and appetite for Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, use, and rollout are increasing. However, this is uneven, fragmented and biased towards urban and main transportation infrastructure corridors. In this set-up, the rural areas and peripheral geographical areas are lagging or excluded from immediate access to and benefiting from such advancements and innovations. This study, based on a bibliometric research technique, uses Africa as a case study. Bibliometric databases analysed included Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Scientific Electronic Library Online. The findings highlight the status of AI adoption, use and application in Africa for rural transportation solutions and interventions. Challenges, constraints and opportunities for integrating and valorising AI value addition to elevate and innovate the rural transportation landscape and ecosystem. A possible scaffolding approach, perspectives for future research, and a policy agenda for AI use and applications in Africa are presented.