Lecture

Urbanization in Africa

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Description

This lecture discusses the demographic dynamics in Africa, highlighting the variations in urbanization rates across different regions of the continent. The instructor emphasizes the importance of well-managed urbanization as an opportunity for economic growth, contrasting it with the challenges posed by rapid urban expansion and informal settlements. The lecture also explores the concept of 'African cities', emphasizing the diversity and unique characteristics of urban centers on the continent. Additionally, the potential of public spaces in fostering community engagement and urban development is examined, along with the need for inclusive policies to address the growth of informal settlements. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the optimistic outlook for urban development in Africa, citing examples of successful initiatives and the role of public participation in shaping sustainable urban futures.

In MOOC

African Cities III, urban planning and management

"African Cities" offers a course on urban management and planning. After a review of the major urban themes (climate change, infrastructure and services, energy, the right to the city, land, housing, the informal economy), we will take a critical look at the tools currently used in urban management and planning. We will then look at how to manage and plan a more inclusive, productive, resilient and resource-efficient city that respects the environment. Finally, we will look successively at the issues of ci

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Economic growth can be defined as the increase or improvement in the inflation-adjusted market value of the goods and services produced by an economy in a financial year. Statisticians conventionally measure such growth as the percent rate of increase in the real and nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Growth is usually calculated in real terms – i.e., inflation-adjusted terms – to eliminate the distorting effect of inflation on the prices of goods produced. Measurement of economic growth uses national income accounting.

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Sustainable development is an organizing principle that aims to meet human development goals while also enabling natural systems to provide necessary natural resources and ecosystem services to humans. The desired result is a society where living conditions and resources meet human needs without undermining the planetary integrity and stability of the natural system. Sustainable development tries to find a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and social well-being.

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