The distribution of walkability in an African city: Praia, Cabo Verde

This paper analyses disparities in walking conditions in neighbourhoods with different incomes and urbanization levels in Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde islands. Walkability is measured considering factors relevant to a semi-arid, post-colonial, fast growing, middle-income African city. The estimated indicators measure the availability of destinations accessible on foot and the quality of the walking experience. The study found that high income neighbourhoods have the lowest overall provision of pedestrian space and protection from traffic (in more urbanized areas) and the lowest walking accessibility to people, shops, and leisure areas (in less urbanized areas). Low income neighbourhoods have the highest environmental risks (in more urbanized areas) and the highest slopes, lowest provision of formal pedestrian space, and lowest accessibility to jobs, facilities, and bus stops (in less urbanized areas). The results provide insights into the type of public policies needed to improve walkability in the different parts of the city.