12. The mobility problem of the Third World

SYNOPSIS. This paper considers the scale and nature of the mobility problem in the Third World and the role of the main transport modes in meeting the mobility needs of the Third World's growing population. Some key issues involved in the selection of an appropriate inter-modal mix and financing of transport in the Third World are discussed.

BACKGROUND

1. It is useful to begin our discussion by considering first the size and nature of the mobility problem confronting the Third World countries. In 1982, of the global population of 4,586 million about 1,011 (22%) lived in North America, Europe and USSR, while 3,575 million (78%) lived in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania countries. There is no generally agreed definition of the Third World. While some include Opec countries in the Third World others exclude them. The UN classification includes Japan and South Africa in its regional classification of Asia and Africa respectively but these countries by no means belong to the Third World group. Broadly speaking, however, if we take some of those uncharater i s tic countries out, it may be said that presently about three-quarters of the World population lives in the Third World. While this population is growing at less than 1% pa in the developed world, its growth rate in the Third World is more than 2.5% pa. In terms of absolute population numbers as well as their growth rates, the Third World countries will be concerned with a potential mobility need in Tomorrow's World which is 4 to 5 times as great as in the countries of the developed