Linking urbanisation and development in Africa's economic revival
SOURCE: Africa's urban revolution
OUTPUT TYPE: Chapter in Monograph
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2014
TITLE AUTHOR(S): I.Turok
SOURCE EDITOR(S): S.Parnell, E.Pieterse
KEYWORDS: AFRICA, URBAN COMMUNITIES, URBAN RENEWAL AND DEVELOPMENT (URD)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 8049
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/2666
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/2666
OUTPUT TYPE: Chapter in Monograph
PUBLICATION YEAR: 2014
TITLE AUTHOR(S): I.Turok
SOURCE EDITOR(S): S.Parnell, E.Pieterse
KEYWORDS: AFRICA, URBAN COMMUNITIES, URBAN RENEWAL AND DEVELOPMENT (URD)
Print: HSRC Library: shelf number 8049
HANDLE: 20.500.11910/2666
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11910/2666
If you would like to obtain a copy of this Research Output, please contact Hanlie Baudin at researchoutputs@hsrc.ac.za.
Abstract
In this chapter the author seeks to explore the unfolding relationship between urbanisation and economic development in Africa. The main proposition pursued is that there is no necessary or inherent connection between these phenomena. Much depends on the context in which urbanisation occurs and the form taken by economic growth. The economic environment in many parts of Africa has been insecure and unfavourable in recent decades, so it is not surprising that city economies have performed poorly, despite expanding urban populations. Indeed, urban demographic growth may have made things worse by contributing to overloaded infrastructure and general congestion. I also touch on the policy implications. If the relationship between urbanisation and development is not close, it follows that the level or rate of urbanisation should not be an important goal of policy makers. Governments should not seek to accelerate or restrict rural-urban migration, but should rather focus on strengthening the economic base of cities and improving the 'quality' or dynamics of urbanisation. By this creating and protecting all kinds of spaces for productive activities, as well as giving people meaningful choices and better access to urban opportunities.-
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