Transport and mobility issues and concerns for people with disabilities in Malawi

People living with disabilities in Malawi as in other developing nations generally do not have access to suitable means of transport and mobility. The modes of transport existing in Malawi are buses, mini-buses, taxis and private vehicles. Rail is very limited and in most areas a non-existent mode of transport. Few of those with disabilities can afford mobility aids such as wheel chairs, tricycles, calipers and crutches. Service organisations do help some members or clients with transport to receive rehabilitation and/or to get to and from work. No special projects exist that bridge the gap in the mobility and transport needs of people living with disabilities.

Although there are an estimated 1 million people or just under 10% of the population in Malawi living with
disabilities (VSO, 2001), to date, few studies on the disability sector have been conducted. The only survey
conducted at national level is the 1983 Survey of Handicapped Persons executed as part of the Malawi Labor Force Survey. This survey covered both rural and urban Malawi. The results indicate that about 3% of the population were at that time living with disabilities. Of these 93% were in rural areas and 7% in urban areas; 54% were male and 46% were female.

This document provides a thorough assessment of the transport and mobility needs of disabled people in Malawi.