Mitigating Conflict and Violence in African Cities

Sean Fox and Jo Beall
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Sean Fox: Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, England
Jo Beall: Education and Society, British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN, England

Environment and Planning C, 2012, vol. 30, issue 6, 968-981

Abstract: The process of urbanisation has historically been associated with both socioeconomic development and social strain. Although there is little evidence that urbanisation per se increases the likelihood of conflict or violence in a country, in recent decades Africa has experienced exceptional rates of urban population growth in a context of economic stagnation and poor governance, producing conditions conducive to social unrest and violence. In order to improve urban security in the years ahead, the underlying risk factors must be addressed, including urban poverty, inequality, and fragile political institutions. This, in turn, requires improving urban governance in the region by strengthening the capacity of local government institutions, addressing the complex political dynamics that impede effective urban planning and management, and cultivating integrated development strategies that involve cooperation between various tiers and spheres of government and civil society.

Keywords: urbanisation; Africa; conflict; violence; urban governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envirc:v:30:y:2012:i:6:p:968-981

DOI: 10.1068/c11333j

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