Greening the Circular Cities: Addressing the Challenges to Green Infrastructure Development in Africa

O. M. Owojori () and C. Okoro ()
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O. M. Owojori: University of Johannesburg
C. Okoro: University of Johannesburg

A chapter in Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation, 2023, pp 153-165 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Purpose: Africa is amid a tremendous population and economic transformation with much of the growth taking place in the cities. This study explores further on the discussion on circular cities and the integration of green infrastructures (GI), as well as how they might serve as a blueprint and motivation for a revolution in African cities. The objective identified the barriers inhibiting green infrastructure development in Africa and offers a strategy for enhanced application. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative exploratory technique was adopted to collect qualitative data via an integrative literature review. The methodological approach was divided into two phases: research planning, screening and choice of publications. Utilizing content analysis, the acquired data were analysed. Findings: The outcomes of this investigation show that scarcity of evidence to demonstrate the benefits, scarcity of data to support actions, budget constraints and lack of environmental education represent some of the barriers to green infrastructure development in Africa. This study suggests developing more innovative valuation methods, public-private partnerships, and GI marketing incentives. Implications/Research Limitations: “The State of African Cities 2014” by UN-Habitat inspired this study, which focuses on African cities for a significant reimagining of current systems to promote innovation, reduce barriers, and capitalize on advantages. Thus, findings are discussed and interpreted in the light of the African environment. Practical Implications: The results of this article will help GI decision-makers and planners in sustainable city development build appropriate strategies for how GI development could be utilised in African cities. Originality/Value: There is a scarcity of research and lack of empirical support for the construction of green infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa which is a problem that has to be investigated. The global north has dominated previous studies on GI advancements, which suggests that its significance and practical use are still frequently misunderstood in the African setting.

Keywords: Africa; Barriers; Circular cities; Green infrastructure; Sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-25998-2_12

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