“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, May 2007, Washington, DC, USA.

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) entitled “Beyond Titling: Summing up “Urban Land Use and Land Markets” for the 4th Urban Research Symposium by the World Bank and SIDA in 2007. See an excerpt from the Preface:


[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 Tillting, 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:

Delivery of Security, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance through Community-Based Approaches (Report, 2007)


SIDA, Fourth Urban Research Symposium: Beyond Titling (Report, 2007)


Authors:John Driscoll; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Felicity Chan; Carolina Morgan; Dritan Shutina; Mona Serageldin; Mr. Luis Castillo (Fundacion Salvadorena de Apoyo Integral – FUSAI); Ms. Cecilia de Alberto (FUSAI); Ms. Silvia Melendez (FUSAI); Ms. Nidia Hidalgo (FUSAI); Mr. Roberto Gochez (OJicina de Planificacidn del Area Metropolitana de San Salvador); Mr. Wilver Adaias (Department of Engineering and Urban Development, Municipality of Usulután); Mr. David Cook; Ms. Darina Kokona; Jorida Cila; Edmond Leka (GIS consultant in Tirana, Albania)
Sponsors:4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, May 2007, Washington, DC, USA; Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2007_00_001

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“Land-Related Issues, Dhaka, Bangladesh,” Urban Sector Strategy Report, for Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh, 2006

Abstract

In 2006, Mona Serageldin prepared the report on “Land-Related Issues, Dhaka, Bangladesh,” within the Institute for International Urban Development (I2UD) for the World Bank. The project formulated an urban sector strategy summary for Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh, emphasizing employment generation and poverty reduction.

The report was based largely on fieldwork in Dhaka and Chittagong, primarily interviews with residents of slums, squatter settlements and informal areas, meetings and interviews with government officials, meetings with NGOs and micro-finance institutions and visits to key projects.

The report discussed in detail the urban land market in Bangladesh, defined the different types of land tenure held by urban dwellers, assessed the role of local and district authorities in land management, evaluated land-related impediments on housing and development finance, and highlighted issues related to access to land and services by the urban poor.

Project Year:2006
Project Type:Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh
Reports:

Authors:Mona Serageldin; Arif Ahamed; Felicity Chan; Christa Lee-Chuvala;
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2006_01_001

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“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

Abstract

The Unit’s work on the “Housing Microfinance Initiative” case study spanned 1999 to 2000, along with 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 addressed include South Asia, Southeast Asia, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Latin America (specifically Guatemala), 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, 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:

Housing Microfinance: (Final Report)


Housing Microfinance Initiatives: Genesis Empresarial Community Infrastructure Lending Program, Guatemala (Final Draft, December 1998)


Housing Microfinance: (Inception Brief, March 1999)


Housing Microfinance: (Regional Summary, January 2000)


Housing Microfinance: (Synthesis Report, March 2000)


Housing Microfinance: (Synthesis and Regional Summary, May 2000)


Housing Microfinance: (Executive Summary, May 2000)


Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope (Case Study Overview)


Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope (Synthesis Report)


Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope, Asia and Africa (Regional Overview)


Housing Microfinance: Proposed Scope, Latin America and Eastern Europe (Regional Overview)


Housing Microfinance: (Case Studies and Photos)

Authors:John Driscoll; Graciela Fortin-Magana; Christopher Rogers; Mona Serageldin; Sameh Wahba; Christine Williams; Kimberly Wilson;
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Design; USAID Microenterprise Best Practices; Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), Bethesda, Maryland
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:1999_00_001

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The International Training Programs (ITP) began in 1982, as 2-4 week long summer seminars held by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (Harvard University) in Cambridge, MA. ITP curriculums were 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 19881991199419951997 and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when 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.


“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

“Arusha Urbanization Strategy and Urban Development Plan,” Development Strategy for Arusha Municipality, Tanzania, 2009-2012

ICLRD: Urban Reconciliation Case Studies for Public Housing Estates in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with Study Profile on the Basel Metropolitan Area, 2010-2012

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

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

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

Workshops on “Strategic Planning and Management of Municipal Infrastructure Programs,” from Review of Grant-Funded MIPs in South Africa, May-June 1999

“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

ITP 1998: “The Role of Public/Private Partnerships in Urban Improvements,” with Case Studies on Kreuzberg, Berlin (Germany), GIS Mapping on Cape Cod (US) and the Maarouf Quarter of Cairo (Egypt), 1998

“City of Szczecin Capital Improvement Program,” Case Studies for Technical Assistance Program, Szczecin, Poland, 1996

ITP 1994: “Revitalization in Older Urban Spaces,” Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, Boston, South Boston, and New Haven (US); Montpellier (France); and Cork (Ireland) with Case Studies, International Education Programs, 1994

“Introduction to Local Finances,” Teaching Monographs and Case Studies on Finance Management, by Visiting Lecturer David C. Jones, 1994-1999

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Habitat II Conference Research Papers: “Cities of the Global South” – “Leadership and Best Practices”- “Tenure Rights and Development Control,” Istanbul, Turkey, June 1996

Abstract

In June 1996, Dr. Mona Serageldin and the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) presented research papers for the United Nation’s Habitat II Conference in Istanbul, Turkey. Documents here include three papers presented by Dr. Mona Serageldin for CUDS:

1. “Cities of the Global South” for a dialogue on Land Policy and Rural Urban Linkages.

2. “Leadership and Best Practices,” for a panel on Governance and Best Practices.

3. “Tenure Rights and Development Control” for a forum on Building Housing to Feel at Home.

Additional documents are a summary of Harvard’s Graduate School of Design participation in international research agendas, “GSD Participation.” Other papers were sponsored by the Urban Management Program of Habitat/World Bank/UNDP, the Institute of Public Administration of New York, and the Center for the Global South at American University in Washington, D.C.


[Excerpt: “GSD Participation,” with Summary of CUDS at the Habitat II Conference]:

“Habitat II was the largest global conference on urban issues since 1976, when Habitat I was held in Vancouver. It attracted over 20,000 participants who debated critical issues, discussed the policy agenda and set directions for the coming decades…

“At the United Nations’ Habitat II Conference held in Istanbul June 3-14, 1996, two cities with whom the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at the GSD has worked over the past few years received Global Best Practices Awards for “excellence in improving the living environment.” They are Lublin, Poland, the Adjame district in Abidjan, Cote d’lvoire. The Unit also organized a special training program for a third recipient, the ANHI housing agency of Morocco.

“Nicolas You, coordinator for Best Practices and Local Leadership Program at Habitat explained that the object of the Awards is to highlight particularly successful actions that improve the human environment. The secretary general of the United Nations, Dr. Boutros – Ghali, presented the awards to the recipients in plenary session.”

“Secretary General of Habitat, Dr. Wally N’Dow stated: “The collection and dissemination of Best Practices will be an important and lasting heritage of Habitat II.” The Initiative will establish a database accessible on the Internet and a video library documenting these outstanding experiences in order to encourage transfer of knowledge, experience, and expertise. The Unit will participate in this interactive mode of exchange of ideas and learning.”

“Mona Serageldin, Professor of Urban Planning and Associate Director of the Unit participated on panels discussing “Best Practices and Good Govemance,” “Cities in the South, Preparing for the Next Millennium,” “Building Capacity for Better Cities,” and “The Dialogue on Land Policy.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1996
Project Type:CUDS Presentations
Geographic Regions:Istanbul, Turkey (Conference Location)
Reports:
Habitat II Conference: Cities of the Global South (Mona Serageldin, June 1996)



Habitat II Conference: Leadership and Best Practices (Mona Serageldin, June 1996)


Habitat II Conference: Tenure Rights and Development Controls (Mona Serageldin, June 1996)


Habitat II Conference: GSD Participation (June 1996)

Authors:Mona Serageldin (CUDS)
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization at the Harvard Graduate School of Design
Categories:Evaluations and Assessments;
  
ID:1996_06_001

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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

Dr. Mona Serageldin and the Unit 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 focuses 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).

Related context: 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.

See related I2UD projects below

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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“Second Urban Project,” Urban Development Study Proposals for Conakry, Republic of Guinea, 1990

Abstract

In May 1990, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization presented the Republic of Guinea with an urban development study, the “Second Urban Project” for Conakry. The Unit’s proposal reflected Guinean need for an action program designed to better local neighborhood conditions in 1990. Suggested plans aimed to boost community participation and improve urban health through local planning guidelines.

The Unit designed a plan to assist the Ministry of Housing toward developing strategies for progressive improvements at the neighborhood level, and to provide analytical tools and comparative materials going forward. Regional population distribution maps show “Urban Centers Population (1989)” for Guinea: Conakry, Kankan, Kérouané, Faranah, Fria, Siguiri, Télimélé, Kindia, Forécariah, Dabola, Labé, Pita, Guéckédou and more urban centers in Guinea. Documents include annotated final report for “Guinea’s Second Urban Project,” study proposals by the Unit, notes by John Driscoll.


[Excerpt: Report, February 1990, page 16]

The Housing and Land Development Component will include the implementation of a first 200-ha land development operation, in Conakry, following the financing and institutional proposals of the recently completed housing policy study (see para. 1.32). That study identified procedures and mechanisms to implement the Government’s strategy to increase formally recognized housing production through subdivision and development of urban land, to rationalize unregulated urban growth through the creation of a regulatory framework for urban planning and land market operations, and to maximize the number of households with access to security of tenure, housing and urban services.

The implementation of this policy is based on replicable land development operations relying on procedures which will limit public sector involvement to construction of secondary infrastructure, whose costs will be fully recovered, and will encourage a variety of public, semipublic and private developers to undertake subdivision and tertiary works within the blocks delimited by the secondary infrastructure network.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1990
Project Type:Urban Development Study
Geographic Regions:Guinea (Conakry, Kankan, Kérouané, Faranah, Fria, Siguiri, Télimélé, Kindia, Forécariah, Dabola, Labé, Pita, and Guéckédou)
Reports:



Authors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization; John Driscoll;
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization at the Harvard Graduate School of Design
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:1990_01_002

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