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“Arusha City Resilience Index Pilot Program” for the Tanzanian Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Arusha, Tanzania, 2015

Abstract

The “Arusha City Resilience Index Pilot Program” established an accessible, evidence-based definition of urban resilience in Arusha, Tanzania, culminating in the publication of the City Resilience Framework in July 2015.

The City Resilience Index (CRI) from 2015 aimed to measure and assess to what extent a city is achieving its resilience goals. The CRI was developed by International Development non-project branch of Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd with support from the Rockefeller Foundation. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development in Arusha, Tanzania was one of five municipalities to participate in the CRI pilot program to test the feasibility and utility of the Index in different contexts around the world.

As part of the Program, I2UD staff performed an initial review of the Index to develop a work plan for the pilot program and to contextualize urban planning in Arusha. The team managed a task force of local authorities to collect qualitative and quantitative data related to the four dimensions of resilience: (Health and well-being, Economy and society, Infrastructure and environment, and Leadership and strategy). Finally, I2UD experts analyzed data collection outputs to produce an internal report assessing the indicators and data collection process and provided recommendations for improving the Index. I2UD also interviewed key community stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines, and facilitated a stakeholder workshop to perform a qualitative assessment of urban resilience in Arusha.

Documents include a CRI Introduction, an I2UD Schedule, and a Master Plan Stage II “Socio-Economic Report” and “Preliminary Visioning and Programming Report”. Supporting documents include a Technical Working Group Meeting Agenda.


[Excerpt: CRI Introduction, July 2015]

“Urban populations are facing increasing challenges from numerous natural and manmade pressures such as rapid urbanization, climate change, terrorism and increased risks from natural hazards. Cities must learn to adapt and thrive in the face of these diverse challenges – they must learn how to build resilience in an uncertain world. Armed with this knowledge and understanding, governments, donors, investors, policy makers, and the private sector will be able to develop effective strategies to foster more resilient cities.”

Project Year:2015
Project Type:Workshop
Geographic Regions:Arusha, Tanzania
Reports:
Authors:Andrew Charles (Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd); Alejandra Mortarini; Barbara Summers
Sponsors:Rockefeller Foundation
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building
  
ID:2015_08_001
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“Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches,” Planning Strategy Report on Albania and El Salvador, 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, 2007

Abstract

A 2007 research report by I2UD, “Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches,” was presented at the 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium in May 2007 in Washington, D.C. The planning strategy examined the provision of land tenure security and basic infrastructure to marginalized groups in Albania and El Salvador. It encouraged a blend of community participation and cooperation among local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and bilateral and multilateral organizations.

Documents include a synthesis of the Symposium published by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), “Beyond Titling: Summing up ‘Urban Land Use and Land Markets.'”


[Excerpt: Delivery of Security of Tenure, Summary]

“Incremental approaches to improving tenure security based on community participation and partnerships between local authorities, NGOs and bilateral and multilateral organizations can be effective in fostering social inclusion and facilitating access to urban land:
— In Albania, the Urban Land Management Program addressed the explosive development of informal settlements around Tirana by establishing a demand-driven program for the provision of basic services and engaging residents in the process of planning for community development.
— In El Salvador, the Fundación Salvadoreña de Apoyo Integral (FUSAI) has provided housing solutions to communities located on vulnerable or hazardous land through an integrated package of land provision, mutual-help housing construction and small housing loans. Despite the differences in context, both programs delivered security of tenure and provided basic infrastructure services to marginalized groups.”

Key Words: Security of tenure, infrastructure provision, informal settlements, social inclusion.

[Excerpt: Preface to Beyond Titling, by Thomas Melin, Head of Division for Urban Development at Sida]

“The Urban Research Symposium 2007 was held for the fourth time in Washington DC, USA, between May 14th to 16th 2007. The title of [2007’s] Symposium was Urban Land Use and Land Markets. These themes have preoccupied donors, multilateral organisations and civil society for decades but research is still insufficient due to the complexity of the issues.”

“Formal land delivery systems have often been inadequate to meet growing urban populations’ demands for secure tenure. The “informal land delivery system” – squatting, illegal subdivision of plots and pavement dwelling – has been the only answer. In order to improve poor people’s livelihoods, we need to better understand how the full continuum of informal and formal land markets operate; how new solutions to secure land for poor people can be developed; and how land can be used sustainably.”

Project Year:2007
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Tirana, Albania / El Salvador
Reports:
Authors:John Driscoll; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Dritan Shutina; Felicity Chan; Carolina Morgan
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2007_00_001

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IEP 2003: “Infrastructure and Partnerships for Local Economic Development” in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa, International Education Programs, 2003

Abstract

Curriculum components from the 2003 IEP (International Education Program) “Infrastructure and Partnerships for Local Economic Development,” which was held in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa in August and September 2003.

Documents include agendas, case studies, project summaries, and reference materials. Noted work by Mona Serageldin includes “Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity,” a background paper for the 2001 Third Global Report on Human Settlements.

Additional contextual documents include: The “Best Practices 2001” submission for Middledrift, Eastern Cape, South Africa; an executive summary from May 2000 for the “Housing Microfinance Initiative”; a presentation of indicator reports by CUDS “Neighborhood Improvement Program, Neiva, Colombia”; and “Participant Evaluation and Comments” forms for the 2003 seminar participants.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2003
Project Type:IEP; Education
Geographic Regions:Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa (Program Locations) / Brazil / Boston, Massachusetts, US / South Africa / Bogotá, Colombia / Southwark, London, UK / Saint-Denis and Aubervilliers, France / Ahmedabad, India / Adjamé, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire / Szczecin, Poland
Reports:
Authors:CUDS Team
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Education Program; Education
  
ID:2003_08_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

Gallery 2: Côte d’Ivoire: Adjamé, Abidjan, 1990-1995

Gallery 12: Poland: Gdansk and Lublin, 1994–1995

Gallery 15: United States: Boston, Massachusetts, 1994-1997

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“Historic Center of Mexico City” Diagnostic Summary, Technical Assistance for Mexico City, Mexico, 2003

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design conducted a technical assistance study in 2003 aimed at identifying the place and function of the Historic Center within Mexico City’s multinuclear urban structure. The Diagnostic Summary documented the social, economic, and environmental conditions that challenged its integration and development as part of the living city. The study’s main authors were François Vigier, Liz Meléndez San Miguel, Luis Valenzuela, and Elda Solloso.

The report discussed physical deficiencies in Mexico City, Mexico, such as infrastructure, proposed to be addressed in future development plans. Working off the strategic analysis by which the interest and capabilities of key players could contribute to regional revitalization, CUDS located municipal structures helpful for developing a preservation strategy. Documents consist of a diagnostic report with annexes.

[Excerpt: Table of Contents page 1 (3), Diagnostic Summary and Annexes]

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2003
Project Type:Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:Mexico City, Mexico
Reports:Historic Center of Mexico City: (Diagnostic Summary and Annexes, June 2003)
Authors:Liz Meléndez San Miguel; Elda Solloso; Luis Valenzuela; François Vigier
Sponsors:Historic Center Foundation (Mexico City)
Categories:Historic Districts
  
ID:2003_02_001

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IEP 2002: “Strategic Planning for Local Development & Urban Revitalization,” Program Overview, International Education Programs, 2002

Abstract

The 2002 International Education Program “Strategic Planning for Local Development & Urban Revitalization,” addressed the range of strategies adopted by public and private organizations active at the local level to promote economic growth and urban revitalization. The course covered the challenges faced by professional urban developers, focusing on designing programs to address increasing levels of urban poverty, income inequalities and the lack of urban services. Participants explored strategies that create a supportive environment for development including:

  • Expanded access to services and economic opportunity for lower-income households;
  • Improved efficiency in the management of infrastructure and urban services; and
  • Enhanced access to financing, technology, and managerial expertise.

This document is an overview of the seminar, including overall scope, a list of guest lecturers and speakers, program faculty, and seminar components.

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Project Year:2002
Project Type:IEP; Education
Geographic Regions:Cambridge, Massachusetts, US (Program Location)
Reports:IEP 2002 (Information Document)
Authors:CUDS Team
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Education Program; Education
  
ID:2002_01_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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“Strategic Planning and Management of Local Development,” Proposal for Executive Education Program for Brazilian Municipal Officials, October 2001

Abstract

In October 2001, the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design submitted the proposal “Strategic Planning and Management of Local Development” for the Executive Education Program for Brazilian Municipal Officials.

The proposal outlines a week-long program that includes the themes of strategic framework for local development, capital improvement programs and participatory budget process, management of infrastructure services, assessing the impacts of municipal capital investments, and strategic approaches to planning and management of local services.

This document is a valuable reference model for creating similar proposals within the urban development field. In addition, “Annex 1, Relevant Experience” includes summaries of previous IEP seminars (1999-2001) held by CUDS for urban development engineers, industry representatives, and municipal leaders.

Project Year:2001
Project Type:IEP; Education
Geographic Regions:Brazil (Porto Alegre, Fortaleza, Sao Paolo, and Rio de Janeiro)
Reports:Executive Education Program for Brazilian Municipal Officials (Proposal, October 2001)
Authors:CUDS Team
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Executive Training Program; Education
  
ID:2001_10_001
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“Assessment of Participatory Budgeting in Brazil,” Research Assessment, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2001-2003

Abstract

A study team at the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design contributed the report on “Assessment of Participatory Budgeting in Brazil: The Experience of the Participatory Budget In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil,” assessing the extent of citizen involvement fostered by participatory budgeting. The report measured the efficiency of resource allocation in local planning and management within Brazilian communities in Rio Grande do Sul.

Documents include a 2001 summary of research on Rio Grande do Sul and a 2003 final report with accompanying Annexes.

Excerpt: 1.0 Executive Summary, p. 8

The main objective of the study is to assess the extent to which participatory budgeting (OP, or Participatory Budget is “Orcamento Participativo,” or Particatory ) is fostering the efficient and democratic allocation of resources and citizen involvement in the planning and management of their localities. The report draws upon extensive field research undertaken by the Center for Urban Development Studies in: Porto Alegre (population 1.3 million), the initiator of the OP in 1989; Gravatai (population 230,000), an industrial city in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area; Caxias do Sul (population 360,000) an urban center in a predominately rural area; Belo Horizonte (population 2.1 million), which implemented the first participatory housing budget (OPH); Santo Andre, (population 650,000), in the Sao Paulo metropolitan region, the city which has interlinked its participatory planning and budgeting processes; and, Rio Grande do Sul (population 10.2 million), the only state to have successfully implemented participatory budgeting.”

Project Year:2001-2003
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; John Driscoll; Liz Meléndez San Miguel; Luis Valenzuela; Consuelo Bravo; Elda Solloso; Clara Solá-Morales; Thomas Watkin; Yves Cabannes; Maria Gezica Baladares; Tarson Núñez; André Passos
Sponsors:Inter-American Development Bank
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2001_09_001

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“Development of Infrastructure and Initiating of Sustainable Projects in Elim, South Africa,” Report for the 2001 UN-Habitat Best Practices Leadership Programme for Elim Historic Settlement, Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design prepared a report “Development of Infrastructure and Initiating of Sustainable Projects in Elim” for submission to the UN-Habitat 2001 Best Practices Local Leadership Programme, based on the upgrading initiative that began in 1995 on the historic settlement of Elim in Western Cape, South Africa.

Primary initiative goals included:

  1. Upgrade the basic town infrastructure and services;
  2. Improve the living standards of the residents;
  3. Improve economic growth within the community;
  4. Preserve the historical character of the village; and
  5. Create employment opportunities, agriculture development, social health and sustainable community development in Elim.

The project assisted in upgrading sewage systems, streets and stormwater systems and the electrical reticulation system. Prior to these upgrades, sewage would flow through the streets and the town reservoir would often dry up in the summer months, causing a shortage of water.

[Excerpt: Summary, page 3]:

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Project Year:2001
Project Type:Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Elim, Western Cape, South Africa
Reports:Development of Infrastructure and Initiating of Sustainable Projects, Elim, South Africa: (Report, August 2001)
Authors:CUDS Team
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2001_08_001

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IEP May 2001: “Infrastructure Planning and Partnerships for Local Economic Development,” Eastern Cape, South Africa, International Education Programs, 2001

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design produced a curriculum in 2001 for their International Education Program (IEP) held in Eastern Cape, South Africa in May of that year. The seminar was titled “Infrastructure Planning and Partnerships for Local Economic Development” and included relevant case studies and excerpts pulled from previous CUDS work.

[Excerpt: Executive Summary, May 2001, p. 1]

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2001
Project Type:IEP; Education
Geographic Regions:Eastern Cape, South Africa
Reports:
Authors:John Driscoll; Emly Costa; Mona Serageldin; Sameh Wahba; Patrick Bodart; Yves Cabannes; Boguslaw Trondowski
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Education Program; Education
  
ID:2001_05_001

Related I2UD projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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“Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity,” Research Paper for UN-Habitat’s Third Global Report on Human Settlements, 2000

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design produced a research paper in 2000 that provided an overview of decentralization and infrastructure policy throughout the 1990s. The study noted the expanding scope for private sector involvement and the growing role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in the delivery of infrastructure services for informal settlements. The report served as a background paper for UN-Habitat’s Third Global Report on Human Settlements.

[Excerpt: Background Paper, August 2000]

1.0 Overview: This background paper is based on an extensive review of infrastructure initiatives implemented since the early 1990s in different economic, social and cultural settings. Recent trends are assessed and creative approaches presented. In each case, the challenges faced and the context within which infrastructure problems have to be addressed determined the range of options and the choice of strategies. The remarkable results achieved by Best Practices are highlighted with a special focus on the ingredients underlying their success.”

[Excerpt: Table of Contents, Background Paper, August 2000, p. 2 of 31]

  1. Overview
    • Decentralization and Infrastructure Policy
    • Decentralization of infrastructure services
    • Expanding the scope for private sector involvement
    • A growing role for NGOs and civil society
    • Challenges in the decentralization of infrastructure
  2. Decentralized institutional frameworks, participatory processes and capacity building
    • The role of regional and intermediary institutions
    • Strengthening local government leadership and initiative
    • Partnerships between municipalities and NGO
    • Community-based approaches to infrastructure services and neighborhood revitalization
  3. Financing investments in infrastructure services and neighborhood revitalization
    • Public/Private partnerships to finance infrastructure
    • The role of intermediary institutions in infrastructure finance
    • Privatization of infrastructure services: public utility companies
  4. Equitable Access to Infrastructure and the Empowerment of Poor and Marginalized Communities
    • Community-based financing of infrastructure projects
  5. Concluding Remarks
  6. List of references
Project Year:2000
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity (Background Paper, August 2000)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Suzanne Kim; Sameh Wahba
Sponsors:UN-Habitat
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2000_08_003
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“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

Abstract

Team members at the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (later the Center for Urban Development Studies) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design worked on the “Housing Microfinance Initiative” case study from 1999 to 2000, accompanying USAID’s Microenterprise Best Practices effort. The Unit produced reports to highlight the achievements of housing micro-finance initiatives around the world. Findings noted the challenges facing the extension of microcredit to poor households for funding shelter construction and improvements, land acquisition, and infrastructure provisions. Geographic regions covered include South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Documents include a final report, a 1998 draft background report on Guatemala, an inception brief, multiple summary and synthesis reports, supporting overviews, and case studies with photos. Regional overviews address the broad geographic areas noted above.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1999-2000
Project Type:Case Study
Geographic Regions:South Asia (India and Bangladesh) / Southeast Asia (Philippines) / Latin America (Guatemala) / Sub-Saharan Africa (South Africa)
Reports:
Authors:John Driscoll; Graciela Fortin-Magana; Christopher Rogers; Mona Serageldin; Sameh Wahba; Christine Williams; Kimberly Wilson
Sponsors:USAID Microfinance Office; Development Alternatives, Inc. (Bethesda, Maryland)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:1999_00_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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“Community Based Credit for Housing, Infrastructure, and Microenterprises,” Micro-Finance Housing Shortage Study for Quito, Ecuador, 1995

Abstract

In 1995, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (the Unit) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design researched a micro-finance study on housing shortages in Quito, Ecuador to assess the impact of USAID’s Regional Housing and Urban Development Office for South America (RHUDO/SA) Ecuadorian Credit Program.

The Unit’s research presented solutions for housing shortages in Quito, Ecuador. The study discussed mechanisms for the extension of credit to lower income households through community based credit institutions, including productive housing loans, micro-enterprise loans, infrastructure provisions, and loan refinancing to solve housing shortages in Quito.

Documents are an executive summary and the main report (1995). Supporting documents include a micro-enterprise component from January 1995, a market report by Thomas J. O’Malley “Ecuador’s Secondary Market: Findings Possibilities and Recommendations,” and a summary memo titled “Reaching the Bulk of the Housing Problem with Loans” from Gustavo Riofrío to Mona Serageldin.


[Excerpt: Executive Summary]

“The study reviewed the structure and operations of various institutions involved in housing in Ecuador. The strategic objective was the development of micro finance instruments offering lower income households credit for housing and housing related finance on terms that are affordable, convenient and responsive to their needs.

The purpose of the study was to: 1) Assess the RHUDO’s current credit program as it relates to efficient urban improvement; 2) Assess the feasibility of expanding the Program into the areas of productive housing loans, micro enterprise loans, and infrastructure provision as well as the possibility of refinancing these loans.

Microenterprise Development: The study recommends advocating the concept of a “productive house” used as shelter and as income generator as an integral component of the self improvement strategies of lower income families. It allows them to upgrade their economic conditions as well as their living environment. Home based income generating activities are particularly important in helping women address some of their financial needs. For the working poor, income generation is an integral part of housing development. Investing in the house helps establish and expand home based micro-enterprises. Building on this concept the study focuses of the following components:

– Linking micro-enterprise and home improvement finance through the credit unions.
– Utilizing the same credit channels to lend directly for housing and micro-enterprise development.
– Refinancing portfolios of productive housing loans in order to leverage capital resources.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1995
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Quito, Ecuador
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; David C. Jones; Sherif Lotfi; David Neilson; Thomas O’Malley; Gustavo Riofrio; Kimberley Wilson
Sponsors:USAID Regional Housing and Urban Development Office
Categories:Urban Finance
  
ID:1995_03_003

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Gallery 16: Venecuela: Caracas (1989)

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“Framework for Land Management and Urban Development in a Market Economy,” Mission Report with Case Studies Annexes, for Tirana, Albania, 1994

Abstract

Mona Serageldin and the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design prepared a mission report for Albania in 1994 on building a “Framework for Land Management and Urban Development in a Market Economy,” in collaboration with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The report addressed the development of strategies for technical assistance and capacity building in Albania, within the framework of USAID’s Municipal Management/Local Government Program in Eastern Europe. The report focused on land management issues, structure processes for urban planning, and developing the municipal capacity to meet opportunities in a market economy. Serageldin presented these findings and recommendations to the USAID Regional Housing and Urban Development Office (RHUDO).

From 1994 to 1996, the Unit team established an inter-jurisdictional Land Management Task Force and creating the framework and process to undertake a preliminary structure plan for Tirana, Albania. It also coordinated a team of experts providing technical assistance in the areas of infrastructure planning, land regularization, servicing of informal settlements, institutional development and community-based approaches to urban management, and the provision of infrastructure. Training was provided on strategic approaches for the planning and redevelopment of older neighborhoods.

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Project Year:1994
Project Type:Mission Report
Geographic Regions:Tirana and Durrës, Albania
Reports:
“Framework for Land Management and Urban Development in a Market Economy,” Mission Report (May 1994)
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:USAID Regional Housing and Urban Development Office
Categories:Urban Planning; Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:1994_00_001

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“Financing Infrastructure Upgrading Programs,” Two Urban Development Research Papers, Mona Serageldin, 1989-1991

Abstract

In 1989 and 1991, Mona Serageldin authored two related papers on financing urban development for the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design: “Financing Upgrading Programs” and “Financing Infrastructure Upgrading Programs.”

The papers assessed the exchange components of local and foreign currency as cost factors in urban development upgrading projects, using municipalities in Jordan and Tunisia as examples. Serageldin focused on three main needs to establish effectively-financed upgrading programs:

  1. Construction of new infrastructure networks,
  2. Building and improvement of community facilities like schools and health centers, and
  3. Creation of homeowner credit mechanisms to improve residential properties.



[Excerpt: “Financing Upgrading Programs, November 1989”]

“…Upgrading is widely held to be the most effective mechanism to expand the supply of housing for limited income groups and improve living conditions for the urban poor. By providing the support infrastructure, it opens up opportunities for new economic activity.”

“Despite highly publicized haranguing by U.N. Habitat, housing is no longer viewed as a priority for public expenditure by international funding organizations and bilateral aid agencies. The debt situation in developing countries implies a widening gap between urgent needs and potential resources. Demographic pressure and the economic crisis have concentrated efforts on economic development and employment generation rather than social infrastructure.”

Project Year:1989-1991
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design; USAID
Categories:Reconciliation and Development
  
ID:1989_11_001
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Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from Spring 1988, “Urban Infrastructure: Planning and Programming in Developing Countries” was developed by Mona Serageldin, with students and scholars from the Aga Khan Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

The 1988 Design Studio outlined problems and urban infrastructure programs, illustrated by maps, demographics, and case study reports. Curriculum materials give particular attention to support for the urban poor, with case studies on Indonesia, Bahrain, and Zhejiang Province in China. Seven chapters address infrastructure issues in light of rapid urbanization, including unemployment and underemployment in urbanizing countries, and an increased demand for basic needs like water supply and shelter.

A final Design Studio student report on Bahrain, features 99 pages of rich spatial, social, commercial, and architectural overview of historic Muharraq, Bahrain’s third largest city. Section 5.0 features a paper condensed from Arabic, by Tareq Wali, “Traditional Urban Fabric and Architecture,” including a substantial list of tables, maps, and references. Additional sections cover the historical evolution of the district:

  • 5.1: The Development of Muharraq;
  • 5.2: Morphology of the Traditional Urban Fabric & The Organization of Space;
  • 5.3: Commercial Element;
  • 5.4: Residential Elements; and
  • Annex: Notes on Building Materials and Architecture.



[Excerpt, Chapter 6, Paper B, The Urban Operational Perspective. “Introduction to the Course Background,” for “Urban Infrastructure, Planning and Programming in Developing Countries, p. 1.1]

“Virtually without exception in the cities and towns of the developing world, the ability to plan, finance and implement urban development programs and infrastructure programs in particular, is in a state of crisis. Severe deficiencies exist and are growing in nearly all sub-sectors. Explosive population growth, partly through immigration from rural areas and in the cases of the largest cities, natural growth, have placed pressures on city authorities for increased services. For instance, the population of the urban areas in developing countries is likely to grow by 1 billion over the next two decades. Simultaneously with growth to date, the state of existing services has universally deteriorated.”

“At the same time the governments in these countries are trying valiantly to cope with what are prime concerns; large and growing unemployment and under employment, and raised expectations by their peoples of access to minimum basic needs in water supply, shelter, etc. These pressures though countrywide, are visibly focused in the urban areas, and thus influence political, administrative, financial, and economic decisions, not always in a coherent or rational manner.”

“Urbanization involves costs to the public sector which amount to large shares of total public spending. Dense human settlement requires levels of servicing – for health reasons, if no other – which are not as essential elsewhere. Rising incomes increase demands for water, electricity, road space, telephones are similar public services. Expectations for urban amenities and appearances are high, and the costs of providing them are also high. Growth of the larger cities often involves diseconomies of scale – longer pumping distances for water and traveling distances for commuters, for example. In some of the largest metropolitan areas, geographical shape and terrain accentuate the costs of growth: Bangkok, Bombay and Mexico City come to mind. Soaring land prices add to the costs of private and public sector development.”

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Project Year:1988
Project Type:Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:Indonesia / Muharraq, Bahrain / Zhejiang Province, China
Reports:
Authors:David B. Cook; Mona Serageldin; Geeta Pradhan; Tarek Waly; Jens Lorentzen; John Kirke; David Gilmore
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Design Studios; Education
  
ID:1988_00_004

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Gallery 3 – BAHRAIN: Manama and Muharraq, 1980s

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“Urban Strategies for Economic Development: Towards an Agenda for the 90s,” Regional Report and Workshop for Amman, Jordan, 1987

Abstract

A 1987 report, authored by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization and funded by the World Bank, “Urban Strategies for Economic Development: Towards an Agenda for the 90s,” addressed the growth of informal settlements and the lack of adequate housing opportunities for low-income families in Amman, Jordan.

Documents include a Background Report on Amman, Jordan by John Driscoll, a report by Mona Serageldin from September 1989 titled “Infrastructure Financing and Land Development,” and a workshop summary from October 1989.

Excerpt



[Excerpt: “Infrastructure Financing and Land Development,” Context, Mona Serageldin, pp. 1]

“Within a given economic context, the ability of urban areas to stimulate and drive development is determined by the range and quality of their infrastructure. Throughout the 80’s, intractable budget deficits and increasing debt burdens have led to the curtailment of funding for urban infrastructure in all but one of the OECD countries. In developing nations weak urban institutions inherited from colonial times almost collapsed in the face of mounting needs and dwindling resources. The dynamic private sector could neither muster the capital nor the organizational capabilities needed to operate on the scale required for infrastructure development. Throughout the 70’s and BO’S informal developers maximized profits by externalizing the environmental cost of unplanned urbanization; a cost that the public sector is now forced to absorb. Municipalities struggling to simultaneously service building plots and retrofit uncontrolled settlements have been stretching distribution networks without improved trunk capacity. In many cities, overload well in excess of design capacity risks to collapse whole sectors of the system.”

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[Excerpt: “Introduction, Background Report on The Urban Development Department” of Amman, John Driscoll, pp. 3, 5.]

“According to World Bank studies, 34% of the urban population lives (ca. 1987) in cramped conditions with four or more persons per room in contrast to the national average of 2.6 persons per room. Development standards prescribing a minimum plot size of 250 to 300 sq. meters with high land prices have made it difficult for the moderate income households to obtain serviced land. Rent control has also distorted the housing market and led to the typical situation of substantial key money requirements, a condition which severely affects new families altering the housing market. Urban population growth, estimated at 5%, coupled with the lack of affordable legal alternatives resulted in the growth of informal settlements on the urban periphery. Ninety percent of housing construction is done by the private sector. Public sector construction is distributed between the UDD, the government owned Jordan Housing Cooperation and smaller housing programs.
….
“In 1980, UDPl represented a major change in government policies regarding the provision of low-income housing and basic services for the urban poor. New development standards made housing more affordable for lower-income groups. The process of comprehensive community upgrading of selected informal settlements and the development of new sites-and-services projects employing cost-recovery principles were a departure from past government practices and policies.”

Project Year:1987
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Amman, Jordan
Reports:
Authors:John Driscoll; Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Reconciliation and Development
  
ID:1987_09_001

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