Impact of information and communication technology on mobility of urban and rural households: a comparative study from Nigeria

Abstract

There has been a growing concern regarding the potential impact of technology on travel patterns, with limited attention given to its effects on both urban and rural households. To address this gap, our study focuses on the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on rural-urban mobility. We conducted this research using primary data collected through a multi-stage sampling method, where 50% of the wards were selected randomly. Subsequently, a total of 510 questionnaires in urban areas and 492 questionnaires in rural areas was administered using a systematic sampling approach. The results of this investigation revealed significant variations in the socio-demographic and travel characteristics of respondents within the study areas. Notably, our findings indicate that ICT usage has not entirely replaced traditional trips in urban and rural settings. Instead, it has played a pivotal role in complementing travel activities. The implications of these findings are substantial. As tele-density improves and expands in rural areas, it is foreseeable that more cost-effective travel planning will be achievable.