The 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) took place in Cairo from 4 to 8 November 2024. This event brought into light critical urban issues facing Africa, the world’s fastest urbanising continent. With a population expected to rise , Africa must address challenges in housing, climate resilience, and urban planning. The forum’s theme was It All Starts at Home – Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Urbanisation in Africa
Africa is experiencing rapid urbanisation. The urban population is projected to increase from 36% in 2010 to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2050. Currently, Africa has the lowest urbanisation rate globally. However, the continent’s urban growth is outpacing the development of essential services and housing. Slum populations are on the rise, creating urgent needs for sustainable urban solutions.
Climate Change and Urban Vulnerability
Africa’s cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events disrupt livelihoods. Poor communities in slums face the greatest risks. Research indicates that climate impacts threaten critical sectors such as agriculture and public health. By 2035, Africa’s major cities will house 21% of the continent’s population but will also face severe climate risks.
The Role of Housing
Housing is a central issue discussed at WUF12. Affordable housing is essential for urban development. The forum brought into light the need to transform informal settlements into sustainable living spaces. This transformation is crucial for improving living conditions and reducing inequality in urban areas.
Emerging Megacities
Africa currently has three megacities – Cairo, Kinshasa, and Lagos. By 2050, seven more cities are expected to join this list. These megacities will serve as economic hubs but require comprehensive urban planning to manage growth effectively. Without proper planning, informal settlements may proliferate in vulnerable areas, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Collaboration and Financing
WUF12 emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Innovative local financing models are necessary for sustainable urban development. Development partners must work together to address the unique challenges faced by African cities. The forum brought together 37,000 delegates, showcasing a commitment to finding solutions for urbanisation challenges.
Key Dialogues and Discussions
The forum featured six key dialogues, including Housing Our Future and Cities and the Climate Crisis. These discussions focused on local actions needed to build sustainable cities. Participants explored how to prioritise people’s needs in a digital era and tackle the pressing issue of homelessness.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of rapid urbanisation on the socio-economic landscape of Africa.
- Estimate the challenges faced by African megacities in terms of resource management and infrastructure development.
- Point out the significance of local actions in addressing climate change in urban settings.
- With suitable examples, explain how informal settlements contribute to urban inequality in developing nations.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of rapid urbanisation on the socio-economic landscape of Africa.
Rapid urbanisation in Africa has led to important socio-economic transformations, including increased economic opportunities and job creation in urban areas. However, it has also exacerbated challenges such as housing shortages, rising slum populations, and inadequate infrastructure. The urban poor face heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts and limited access to essential services, leading to increased inequality. Furthermore, the rapid pace of urban growth often outstrips local governments’ ability to provide necessary resources, resulting in informal settlements and social unrest. Therefore, while urbanisation can drive development, it also necessitates urgent, sustainable solutions to mitigate its adverse effects.
2. Estimate the challenges faced by African megacities in terms of resource management and infrastructure development.
African megacities face severe challenges in resource management and infrastructure development due to rapid population growth and urbanisation. Limited financial resources hinder the provision of essential services like water, sanitation, and transportation. Infrastructure is often inadequate or deteriorating, leading to traffic congestion and poor public health outcomes. Additionally, the proliferation of informal settlements strains existing resources, as these areas typically lack basic services and are vulnerable to climate impacts. As cities like Lagos and Kinshasa expand, they must adopt comprehensive urban planning strategies and innovative financing mechanisms to effectively address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth.
3. Point out the significance of local actions in addressing climate change in urban settings.
Local actions are critical in addressing climate change in urban settings, as they allow for tailored solutions that reflect the specific needs and vulnerabilities of communities. Local governments and stakeholders can implement initiatives like sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, and community engagement to enhance resilience against climate impacts. Such actions can mitigate risks associated with extreme weather, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall quality of life. For instance, local adaptation strategies, such as creating green spaces or improving drainage systems, can directly address flooding in vulnerable areas, demonstrating the importance of localized approaches in climate action.
4. With suitable examples, explain how informal settlements contribute to urban inequality in developing nations.
Informal settlements exacerbate urban inequality in developing nations by creating stark disparities in access to services and opportunities. For example, in cities like Nairobi, slum residents often lack basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes and limited economic mobility. These areas are frequently situated in hazardous locations, making them more susceptible to climate risks like flooding. Additionally, the lack of legal recognition for informal settlements restricts residents’ rights to property and services, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion. Thus, informal settlements reinforce socio-economic divides, hindering overall urban development and equity.
