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“State of African Cities,” Research for Regional Chapter on North African Cities for UN-Habitat Reports, 2008 and 2010

Abstract

In 2008, a team from I2UD prepared research for regional chapters on Northern Africa for the first UN-Habitat “State of African Cities” report. Topics covered demographics and urban growth, cities as engines of economic growth, urban poverty and housing conditions, environmental challenges in urban areas, and urban governance. Countries addressed in the North Africa regional chapter included Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Sudan.

Documents include I2UD’s North Africa regional report for the 2008 State of African Cities report, as well as two full State of African Cities documents from 2008 and 2010.

Project Year:2008-2010
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:North Africa
Reports:
—
Authors:Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Erick Guerra
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2008_03_001

Related I2UD Projects

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

Abstract

In 2006, Mona Serageldin and other I2UD team members prepared the report on “Land-Related Issues, Dhaka, Bangladesh” 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, consisting primarily of interviews with residents of slums, evaluation of 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:Land Related Issues, Dhaka, Bangladesh: (Mona Serageldin, April 2006)
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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“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), 2004

Abstract

Mona Serageldin researched and wrote the report “Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America” in collaboration with authors from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in 2004. The 2004 paper was published as Chapter 7 in Urban Futures: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction (Nabeel Hamdi, ed.). Sida partially funded the collaboration through a grant, with the purpose of documenting two additional case studies in Central America: León, Nicaragua and San Salvador, El Salvador.

This project emerged from a previous study, funded by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University, to document the impact of human migratory flows on across Central and South American nations. See related content in the I2UD Digital Library: “Reintroducing the Spatial Dimension in the Planning and Management of Latin American Cities,” Lecture by Yves Cabannes (Project ID: 2003_03_001).

Documents include a Proposal, Executive Summary, two Final Reports from February 2004 (CUDS) and August 2005 (I2UD), and a Bibliography in Spanish.


[Excerpt: Final Report, Executive Summary, “Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” February 2004]

1. Introduction.
“Current poverty reduction strategies in LAC (Latin American Countries) underestimate the impact of migratory movements and remittances on social inclusion and do not fully include migration as a component of their strategies.”

“Some Latin American municipalities have launched creative initiatives in this field and their experience is well worth reviewing. To date little documentation of these efforts has been made particularly in terms of assessing the performance of the methods used and the impact of the monitoring on local development policies and governance.”
…
“Given the importance of migratory movements in Latin America, the findings will be of interest for local authorities as well as multinational and bilateral development organizations working in local development and poverty alleviation programs. This paper presents some preliminary findings of the study, which is still in progress, based on research and field documentation in Cuenca, Ecuador.”

Project Year:2004
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Latin America (Central America; Caribbean; Cuenca, Ecuador; Maracaibo, Venezuela; Mexico; León and Rivas, Nicaragua; San Salvador, El Salvador)
Reports:
Authors:Yves Cabannes; Mona Serageldin; Elda Solloso; Luis Valenzuela
Sponsors:Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading; Urban Planning
  
ID:2004_02_001

Related I2UD Projects

Gallery 4: Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano (1992-1993)

Gallery 16: Venezuela: Caracas (1989)

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“Local Authority-Driven Interventions to Improve the Lives of Slum Dwellers,” Mona Serageldin for UN Millennium Task Force 8 on “Improving the Lives of Slum Dwellers,” 2003

Abstract

In October 2003, Mona Serageldin participated on “Task Force 8,” a working group for the United Nations Millennium Project, directed by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General.

The Task Force 8 sought to recommend strategies to achieve the defined Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted by world leaders at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2004. MDGs were targets to reduce global poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and gender discrimination for populations around the world.

Along with authors from the Center of Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Serageldin prepared an assessment of 50 best practices worldwide as a background paper for the Task Force 8. The paper highlighted the key features underlying their success–namely, partnerships, strategic priorities, multi-sectoral action plans–and focused on programs targeting vulnerable populations and marginalized informal settlements.

Documents include the October 2003 report, a goal indicators document, a case study on the Tsiganes in Greece, and a presentation titled “Partnerships and Targeted Programs.” See also the UN-Habitat Mandate for the Millennium Development Project initiative, which includes a guide section on “The Do’s and Don’ts of Slum Upgrading.”


[Excerpt: Report, October 2003, 1. Executive Summary – Overview, p. 5]

1.1 Overview

“This background paper is based on an extensive review of local authority-driven initiatives that managed to improve the lives of slum dwellers. The review discusses the growing role of local authorities with reference to the institutional context conditioning government action. The imbalances created by asymmetrical decentralization of powers, responsibilities and resources is a cross cutting theme prompting local authorities to seek strategic partners for their initiatives. The conceptual framework used to define the range of locally driven initiatives that can improve the lives of slum dwellers underscores their breadth and diversity. The review focuses on process, strategy and action, and how these were shaped by the nature of the challenges that local authorities had to cope with and the partnerships they managed to structure in order to access resources, engage poor communities, reach marginalized populations and address vulnerable groups.”

“The performance of these institutional frameworks and decision making processes are assessed with reference to the difficulties encountered and results achieved. The selected initiatives presented in the different sections of the paper are grouped under headings highlighting recent trends and pointing to future directions. The paper focuses on initiatives implemented during the past decade in different economic, social, political and cultural settings. Emerging trends with regard to processes, strategies, and actions highlight the expanding scope of partnerships and the emphasis on empowerment and social inclusion.”

Project Year:2003
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Weihai, China (Conference Location) / Sofades, Greece (Case Study)
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Elda Sollos; Luis Valenzuela; Peter Stathopoulos
Sponsors:United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2003_10_001

Related I2UD Projects

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

Gallery 4: Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano, 1992-1993

Galleries 6-7: Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 16: Venezuela: Caracas, 1989

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“Reintroducing the Spatial Dimension in the Planning and Management of Latin American Cities,” Lecture Presentation by Yves Cabannes, 2003

Abstract

In March 2003, the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design offered a lecture presented by Yves Cabannes, the Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, as part of the Urban Management Program for Latin America and the Caribbean from UN-Habitat. The lecture covers past and current planning of spatial dimensions in Latin American cities and highlights the importance of spatial factors in social integration. It also touches on the significance of citizen participation and of partnerships among civil society, governments, and private sectors.

Presentation topics include:

  • Land use plans in the 90s;
  • (Mono) sector approaches to planning;
  • Strategic City Planning (Barcelona);
  • Influence of UN and Global Agenda in the 90s; and
  • Participatory Action Planning with spatial dimension.

The presentation addresses principles behind the term social inclusion, as “a multidimensional problem: territorial (physical), legal, social, cultural, economic and racial,” going beyond just poverty. The presentation detailed four examples of urban upgrading projects that sought to solve issues of social exclusion and housing shortages in Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.


[Excerpt: Presentation, Experiences 1-5, lessons in social inclusion from urban development projects in Latin American cities]

“Lessons from some experiences addressing at the same time the global development of the city, the inclusion of the poor communities in the perspective of building democratic, productive and inclusive cities.”

Experience 1: Comunidades, Fortaleza Metropolitan Region, Brazil.

Experience 2: Neighborhood Improvement Participatory Action Planning (City Consultation) in Mesa Los Hornos, Mexico City, Mexico, (1998-2000).

Experience 3: Mapping the social exclusion at city level: Exclusion and Inclusion Map of Santo André, Brazil.

Experience 4: The Spatial dimension of Social inclusion: Integrated Program for Social Inclusion, Santo André, Brazil.

Experience 5: Optimization of Vacant Land in Rosario, Argentina.
___

Project Year:2003
Project Type:Public Lecture
Geographic Regions:Fortaleza and Santo André, Brazil / Rosario, Argentina / Mexico City, Mexico / Quito, Ecuador
Reports:
Reintroducing the Spatial Dimension in the Planning and Management of Latin American Cities: (Presentation)
Authors:Yves Cabannes
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Reconciliation and Development, Urban Planning
  
ID:2003_03_001

Related I2UD Projects

Gallery 4: Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano (1992-1993)

Gallery 16: Venezuela: Caracas (1989)

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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.

See related I2UD projects below

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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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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Executive Training Program 1999: Seminar on “Urban Planning and Management” for Executive Officials from Nouadhibou & Nouakchott, Mauritania, 1999

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted a seminar on “Urban Planning and Management” for a delegation of senior officials from Mauritania, held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in October 1999. The seminar was organized in response to a request from the Agence Mauritanienne d’Exécution des Travaux d’Intérêt Public pour l’Emploi (AMEXTIPE), and led to a formal consultation project by CUDS on recommendations for urban development in October 2000.

In the late 1990s, decentralization initiatives in Mauritania shifted central and local relationships and created new responsibilities for municipalities. Impacted cities under survey included Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Nouadhibou is the second largest city in Mauritania and serves as a major commercial center, while Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, and serves as the administrative and economic center of Mauritania. Urban issues facing local authorities included increasing urban poverty, demand for urban land, uncontrolled urban development, and underserved communities.

Documents are primarily in French, and include two preliminary reports on Nouadhibou and Nouakchott from 1995 and 1996. A seminar program outline from October 1999 is in English. Also included are copies of the eventual CUDS reports from October 2000. See “Mauritanian National Urban Development Strategy” (Project ID: 2000_05_001) from 2000 for full project documentation.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1999
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, Mauritania
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier (Team Leader); Mona Serageldin; Samir Abdulac; James Kostaras; Sameh Wahba; Jacques Carol; Ahmed Salem Ould Bouboutt; Isakha Diagana
Sponsors:World Bank; AMEXTIPE
Categories:International Education Program; Executive Training Program; Education
  
ID:1999_10_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.