Urbanization, collective action and coping strategies in informal areas of African Cities

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DYNAMICS AND RESILIENCE OF INFORMAL AREAS​

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Samson R Akinola

EXPLANATION

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In his essay “Urbanization, collective action and coping strategies in informal areas of African Cities”, Samson R. Akinola explains his research on how local
communities in Angola, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria have gone beyond just building their own houses to also build their own water and sanitation facilities through collective action. He argues that the urban governance structures
in these countries are centralised and its planning norms do not focus on people-centred urban systems. Thus, underestimating the importance of communities in informal areas. 

REFLECTION

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While community participation is a key element in all projects, it becomes even more relevant in the context of informal settlements. The communities that forge informal areas are very strong and, since they are directly responsible of the evolution of these areas, they hold the knowledge of the dynamics and processes that define them, which from outside seem very unpredictable. Thus, when designing in these areas it is key to understand the people and work with them.

 

The dynamics of buildings and growth of these settlements keep the locals in a constant conversation with the landscape. In the slopes of Medellín landslides are very common due to the strong rains and the instability of the soils. There, after two houses built on the same place and have fallen down, it becomes an “informal” rule to not build in that area anymore.

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