Slum Upgrading in African Urban Areas and the Post-2015 European Policy Agenda
The document titled “Slum Upgrading in African Urban Areas and the Post-2015 European Policy Agenda” by John McLean and Rachel Shue discusses the challenges and strategies related to slum upgrading in African cities, particularly in the context of European development policy. It highlights the rapid growth of urban slums, the complexities of addressing their needs, and the potential for European involvement in improving urban housing conditions.
Slum upgrading refers to the process of improving the living conditions in informal settlements or slums, which often lack basic services and infrastructure. In Africa, where urbanization is rapidly increasing, slum upgrading initiatives are crucial for addressing the needs of the urban poor. The United Nations estimates that nearly one in seven people globally will reside in urban informal settlements by 2030, highlighting the urgency of effective slum upgrading strategies
Executive Summary
Urban slum areas in Africa have expanded significantly over the past decade, leading to increased population density and complexity. Governments struggle to provide adequate services, with some denying the existence of slums or opting for forceful evictions. The document emphasizes that urban development must be prioritized as Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050. Despite the EU’s lack of specific policies addressing urban housing in Africa, there are opportunities for influence through existing frameworks.
Section 1: Slum Upgrading in African Urban Areas
Introduction
The report begins by identifying potential entry points for EU involvement in urban housing policy while stressing the importance of accurately diagnosing slum issues. It acknowledges that urban slums can offer both advantages and disadvantages, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their dynamics before implementing interventions.
Background
The authors discuss how urban migration has led to significant growth in informal settlements across African capitals, resulting in overcrowding and pressure on basic services. Factors driving this migration include perceived job opportunities, better services, cultural diversity, and government land concessions. The report uses the UN-HABITAT definition of slums, which includes criteria such as inadequate housing, lack of access to safe water, sanitation issues, and insecure tenure.
Complexity of Slums
The document emphasizes that slums are diverse and dynamic environments that require tailored approaches. It outlines different scenarios based on political will and government capacity:
- Scenario A: Positive political will with capable governance.
- Scenario B: Political will exists but government capacity is minimal.
- Scenario C: Limited or no political will from authorities.
In cases where political will is lacking, alternative strategies are necessary to support slum residents and communities effectively.
Section 2: Future of European Development Policy
Introduction
This section outlines ongoing discussions at the EU level regarding urban development policy post-2015. It highlights how the EU can engage with urban housing issues through various agreements and initiatives.
Cotonou Agreement and Funding
The report discusses the Cotonou Agreement and its implications for funding urban development projects. It notes that while the agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and African countries, specific attention to urban housing remains limited.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The authors connect their findings to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. They argue that integrating urban development into EU policies is essential for achieving these goals.
European Citizens’ Awareness
The report also examines European citizens’ awareness of development aid issues, revealing a gap in understanding pressing development challenges related to urbanization and slum conditions.
Policy Implications and Conclusion
McLean and Shue conclude that enhanced EU support for slum upgrading is crucial post-2015. They advocate for a comprehensive approach that considers the unique contexts of different slum communities while fostering collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local residents. The report calls for policies that not only improve living conditions but also empower residents through secure land tenure and community engagement.Overall, this study sheds light on the complexities surrounding slum upgrading in Africa and underscores the need for coordinated efforts at both local and international levels to address urban poverty effectively.
Further reading:
[PDF] NATIONAL SLUM UPGRADING AND PREVENTION POLICY urbanagendaplatform
[PDF] SLUM ALMANAC 2015 2016 – UN-Habitat unhabitat