More Urban-Less Poor: An introduction to urban development and management


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Archived Features

More Urban-Less Poor: An introduction to urban development and management

One of the more significant side events at the Third World Urban Forum in Vancouver was the launch, on Monday 19th June, of the new Sida Urban Policy. Largely authored by Goran Tannerfeldt of Sida and Per Ljung of PM Global Infrastructure Inc., this introduction to urban development and management is captured under the bold and eye-catching front page: MORE URBAN LESS POOR. The timing of this report is significant, coming as it does in the midst of a deep ambivalence amongst many international development agencies about the importance of urban development, and the role of towns and cities. As the report notes, "Urban poverty is different from rural poverty and a better understanding of its nature is required from governments and donors."

The report is written in a highly readable and accessible style, organised into five chapters:

An Urbanizing World;
Urban Poverty;
Cities and Towns Facing Problems;
Managing Urban Growth; and
The Role of Urban Development.

A key theme of the book is the relationship between urbanisation and economic development - as the authors note, urbanisation is a requirement for economic development, a point that still eludes too many policy makers. As the summary concludes: "Neither governments nor donors are meeting the challenges of rapid urban growth."

Overall, this is a very welcome and timely policy document that reconfirms Sida's influential role and continued leadership in urban policy debates.

For more information:

http://www.sida.se/sida/jsp/sida.jsp?d=118&a=24484&language=en_US

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