Mobility Disadvantage and Livelihood Opportunities of Marginalized Widowed Women in Rural Uganda

Abstract

The adverse effect of mobility restrictions on the livelihood of economically marginalized women in rural Africa is considerable. This study investigates the space–time paths of twenty-seven widowed women in rural Uganda through methodological pluralism that integrates multiple sources of quantitative and qualitative data collected from Global Positioning System tracking, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Geographic information systems mapping of activity space suggests that mobility patterns are characterized by frequent short repetitive trips and less flexible space–time budgets. In turn, this reduces opportunities to pursue diversified sources of income that enhance livelihood. Statistical regressions and qualitative interviews also show, however, that access to use of motorized vehicles such as cars and motorcycle taxis significantly strengthens livelihood by reducing time poverty, rendering time as a resource for pursuing income opportunities.