Urbanization, Shelter and Development: Towards an Enhanced Framework for Sustainable Cities and Towns in Africa
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Abstract
Separately, each of the prevailing urban problems in Africa has been a subject of discussion and even Ministerial declaration. A number of governments have even put in place national programmes relating to these commitments. Despite these initiatives, African human settlements remain overwhelmed by the dysfunctional aspects of rapid urbanization and fragmented approaches to tackling its impact. Very few countries have managed to direct and harness the developmental attributes of towns and cities. In fact, the challenge of rapid urbanization has not yet been considered as a priority issue in development. It is high time this anomaly is rectified and the urbanization agenda is taken up at a Continental level; not only in terms of declarations and affirmation of commitments, but in developing a concerted framework of action that can guide and reinforce individual national initiatives. Indeed, this approach can also reinforce Africa’s quest for closer integration.
