SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

What do we know about urbanisation in sub-Saharan africa and why does it matter?

The past thirty years have seen dramatic economic changes in the livelihoods of urban residents in sub-Saharan Africa.  Global economic forces have often been very negative for urban household incomes and welfare.   This has influenced urbanization patterns in predictable ways and urbanization has slowed as migration trends have altered.  Yet much mainstream analysis of African urbanization fails to recognize the extent of these changes or their geographical differentiation.

Dr Deborah Potts, Cities Research Group, Geography Department, King's College London.

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