Walking in an unwalkable context: Exploring methodology for co-producing knowledge in secondary cities

This study explores the methodologies used to acquire knowledge on pedestrian walking experience in secondary cities in Ghana and Nigeria. The study adopts a participatory and community-based approach, leveraging digital innovation (eyeglasses concealing a camera) and other approaches to capture data. In contrast to conventional walkability studies in African cities, which use traditional methods, this innovative approach positions participants as active contributors to knowledge production. Moreover, it provides rich, real-world audio-visual data that offers deeper insights into the quality of their walking experiences. The study highlights how effective planning and timely execution of community engagement in the walking environment affect urban residents. Despite the cost-free nature of walking and its critical role in connecting people to opportunities, video evidence and other methods highlighted significant dissatisfaction with walking environments. Participants expressed varying levels of discontent: residents of Cape Coast described their walking spaces as unattractive and inconvenient, while those in Owerri identified safety and security concerns. This collaborative approach effectively uncovered and documented essential insights into commuters’ walking experiences across both locations. The study recommends extending this method to vulnerable population groups to provide a more inclusive understanding of walkability challenges from diverse demographics perspectives.