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African cities and political settlements
A political settlement can be defined as an agreement or common understanding among powerful groups within a society about the basic rules or institutions of the political and economic game. Such institutions provide opportunities for those groups to acquire a minimally acceptable level of benefits, thereby preventing a descent into all-out warfare.
Can housing reform help cities deal with climate change whilst reducing poverty?
More than 1 billion people around the world currently lack access to adequate and affordable housing – a figure expected to triple by 2030. During this period, climate-related threats to the lives and livelihoods of urban residents are projected to increase, with decisions made around the location, design and construction of housing set to profoundly shape our collective future.
Introducing the African Cities research approach
Mainstream urban development interventions in Africa have often been designed through a primarily sectoral and technical lens. But there is abundant evidence that they are also intimately related to questions of power and politics, and that effective solutions must take into account the complex interrelations and interactions between urban processes and systems.
Partner Spotlight: Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI)
Shack/Slum Dwellers International is a network of slum/shack dweller organisations federated in cities in the global South, pioneering innovation in the field of community-driven slum upgrading. Over the past 20 years, SDI has built a global slum dweller movement spanning approximately 32 countries. The movement brings together more than 1 million slum dweller households into savings groups that prioritise the central participation of women, building trust and collective capacity.
Urban development in Africa: Challenges and opportunities
All cities are complex, dynamic, political systems. But with a fast-growing, young urban population, Africa’s cities in particular present a whole host of unique and critical challenges. The African Cities Research Consortium is seeking to address these challenges by bringing together community organisations, local government and agencies, along with other kinds of urban reformers. Our goal is both to co-produce knowledge and evidence, and to turn this into meaningful action.
Outside Africa’s largest cities
Most of Africa’s urban population do not live in large cities. They live in thousands of small and intermediate urban centres. So how many of these can you name? When we think of urban change and urban issues, is it only the relatively few large cities that come to mind?
Applications now open for eight postdoctoral research fellowships at ACRC
Do you have a commitment to driving positive urban change in African cities? Do you have a PhD in a relevant field, or are you close to completing one? Read on to find out more about our postdoctoral fellowships and how to apply…
Partner Spotlight: Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR)
The Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) is an independent, non-profit organisation based in Nairobi, working with partners across Africa and internationally to produce quality research that addresses public policy and development issues. PASGR is made up of three core programmes: research, education, and professional development and training.
Africa’s fastest growing cities
It is striking how few of the world’s fastest growing cities are also among the largest. This is also the case for Africa. But the largest cities must have been among the fastest growing cities in the past, otherwise they would not be among the largest cities today.
Partner Spotlight: UNU-WIDER
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. UNU-WIDER’s 2019-2023 programme focuses on the interlinked development challenges of transforming economies, states and societies, that are central to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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