#10/2025
ISSN-L 2501-5591 (Online)=ISSN 2559-4141
IN PROGRESS...
NCHIMBI, Y.I., KAZAURA, W.G., and MCHOME, E.E. - Analysing Challenges of Using Non-Motorized Transport in Rapidly Growing Cities: The Case of Dodoma City, Tanzania
Abstract
This study investigates the infrastructure and usability of non-motorized transport in Dodoma, Tanzania, amidst increasing urbanization and mobility challenges. The primary objective was to assess the conditions of pedestrian pathways and cycling infrastructure, focusing on user experiences and safety concerns. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires, field observations, and remote sensing, involving 151 respondents. Results indicated that 85.4% of respondents primarily use walking as their mode of non-motorized transport, while 14.6% utilize cycling. However, 81.5% reported the absence of separated pedestrian pathways, with only 18.5% acknowledging their existence. Of those, a mere 2 out of 28 respondents confirmed that these pathways connect to bus stops. Moreover, all respondents indicated that there are no dedicated cycling tracks in the central business district. The size and condition of pathways were rated as poor by 63.6% of participants, highlighting significant infrastructure deficiencies. Additionally, 66.2% felt there were insufficient traffic signs to guide non-motorized users. Findings reveal that the lack of infrastructure contributes to safety risks and deters active transport use. These outcomes align with global studies demonstrating that inadequate facilities impede non-motorized transport adoption. The research highlights the necessity for local governments to prioritize the development and maintenance of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, ensuring integration into urban planning strategies. This research emphasizes the urgent need for improved non-motorized transport infrastructure in Dodoma. The findings are significant for policymakers, providing a framework for enhancing urban mobility and public health by promoting active transport modes. Enhanced infrastructure not only improves safety but also fosters a more sustainable urban environment.
Keywords: community engagement; infrastructure development; pedestrian safety; traffic management; urban mobility.
MACAPAYAD, K. L. and SALAPA, A. - Clustering-based approaches for assessing service access inequality: a systematic literature review of household and community microdata studies
Abstract
Clustering-based methodologies are crucial for studying inequitable access to services in rural contexts. Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we assessed 30 empirical papers out of an initial 253. With a focus on access to basic services, the inclusion criteria were set to the strictest parameters within the boundary of using clustering techniques on granular household or community-level microdata. Of the 83 records that passed the title/abstract screening stage, 30 were retained in the final set after reviewing the full text. The results of the studies demonstrate the ability of clustering techniques to reveal and better describe geographical concentrations in service deficits that are otherwise not visible through analytical means of aggregate data or are often overlooked. Regarding the systematic empirical clustering of service access, this is highly useful for evidence-based planning of public services, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries with a specific geographical focus.
Keywords: clustering methods, service access inequality, household microdata, spatial analysis, CBMS, poverty mapping, geographic targeting, PRISMA systematic review
CHMIELEWSKI, S. - From bird atlases to planning layers: integrating avifauna data into city-region spatial planning
Abstract
Spatial planning and strategic environmental assessment frequently rely on coarse biodiversity descriptions that are insufficient to locate high-value habitats and to anticipate ecological consequences of land-use change along the urban-rural gradient. Birds respond rapidly to habitat configuration and management, and avifauna datasets can serve as an operational indicator for diagnosing ecological sensitivity in urban regions and peri-urban cultural landscapes. Using three regional Polish avifauna monographs that differ in scale and mapping approach as comparative knowledge products, the paper shows how their outputs can be translated into planning-relevant environmental information: baseline layers, constraints and opportunity maps, alternatives appraisal and monitoring indicators. It then synthesises recurrent barriers that limit uptake of biodiversity data in planning practice (data access and licensing, lack of standardisation, scale mismatch, limited institutional capacity and uncertainty management) and proposes a minimum evidence standard for integrating avifauna data into planning documents and SEA workflows. High-quality regional syntheses that separate historical and contemporary records and provide reproducible cartography can act as boundary objects linking ornithology with planning practice and supporting biodiversity-inclusive development.
Keywords: spatial planning, avifauna, birds, peri-urban landscapes, biodiversity data, strategic environmental assessment
ANTONESCU, D. and FLORESCU, I. C. - Labour force resilience in metropolitan areas: decline or acceleration?
Abstract
In the European Union (EU), metropolitan areas are often defined as “metropolitan regions” (Eurostat) or “functional urban areas”, including the central city and its commuting zone. Metropolitan areas represent some of the most dynamic spatial structures at the global level, characterized by a high level of development and widely regarded as engines of socio-economic growth.
An important role in ensuring the competitiveness of metropolitan areas is played by the employed population engaged in various economic activities. In fact, metropolitan areas provide significantly better employment opportunities and are therefore highly attractive for individuals seeking jobs. They typically offer higher wages compared with other areas, as well as better living conditions. Overall, metropolitan areas function as engines of the European labour market, concentrating the majority of jobs in advanced services, competitive industries, and public administration.
This article aims to analyse the level of labour force resilience in the 244 metropolitan areas of the European Union. The resilience of metropolitan areas has become a topic of global and European interest, given that these territories host more than 60% of the world’s population.
Keywords: metropolitan area, territorial resilience, workforce.