Route from Research into Practice

The Africa Community Access Programme (AFCAP) is a research program in the rural transport sector in Africa. AFCAP supports sharing of knowledge between participating countries to enhance the uptake of appropriate, proven, and fit-for-purpose solutions for rural access. The AFCAP theory of change is based on a virtuous cycle of research that demonstrates best practices and leads to uptake of research findings. Uptake of research outcomes includes capacity development for undertaking further research. Under AFCAP, an efficient route from research into practice has been provided. The demonstration of innovative standards for low-volume roads (LVRs) has been an important step in achieving wider acceptance of those standards. It has been necessary to convince not only practitioners and road agencies but also political decision makers and community representatives. In general, the acceptance levels have been high, which has increased demand for the sealing of LVRs. The reduced construction costs of LVRs that result from a more optimal design approach will allow governments and road agencies to meet the demand more effectively. The sustainability of AFCAP achievements depends on building local research capacity in African countries. AFCAP has created an awareness of the value of research and has provided some of the tools needed by governments to establish their own research programs. The recruitment and retention of suitably qualified and experienced researchers will remain a considerable challenge for the foreseeable future and will require long-term support. However, now that the benefits of research are more apparent and a route from research into practice has been defined, there is a strong determination in African countries to succeed.