Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization with the total share of the urban population projected to increase to 60 per cent by 2050 from the current 40 per cent. This trend can also be observed in the region represented by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In fact, SADC’s 16 Member States1 are among the world’s fastest urbanizing countries. Due to a lack of local capacity and financial means to manage this rapid urban growth, much of the urban expansion has been taking place outside or in the absence of formal planning frameworks. As a result, the region has experienced a sprawl of urban settlements characterized by high vulnerability and high risk due to poor living conditions with a lack of basic and social services. Taking a regional approach to building urban resilience and establishing effective multi-jurisdictional coordination mechanisms is critical amongst the SADC Member States, particularly in areas with high levels of urbanization. Nevertheless, it must be considered that each country and sub-region in the SADC presents a high level of complexity due to their susceptibility to more than one hazard and other underlying vulnerabilities. Drawing on the overall research conducted for this assessment, final conclusions and recommendations have been compiled and grouped into six thematic sets as follows: i) Enhancing policy, legislation and institutional frameworks with a stronger urban focus; ii) Capacity building, knowledge and information management; iii) Strengthening regional and national urban planning for building resilience; iv) Disaster risk financing; v)Promoting durable urban solutions; vi) Strengthened inter-country and inter-city cooperation.
Regional Assessment on Urban Vulnerability and Resilience in Southern African Development Community Member States
Angelone S.;Zardo L.;
2022-01-01
Abstract
Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization with the total share of the urban population projected to increase to 60 per cent by 2050 from the current 40 per cent. This trend can also be observed in the region represented by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In fact, SADC’s 16 Member States1 are among the world’s fastest urbanizing countries. Due to a lack of local capacity and financial means to manage this rapid urban growth, much of the urban expansion has been taking place outside or in the absence of formal planning frameworks. As a result, the region has experienced a sprawl of urban settlements characterized by high vulnerability and high risk due to poor living conditions with a lack of basic and social services. Taking a regional approach to building urban resilience and establishing effective multi-jurisdictional coordination mechanisms is critical amongst the SADC Member States, particularly in areas with high levels of urbanization. Nevertheless, it must be considered that each country and sub-region in the SADC presents a high level of complexity due to their susceptibility to more than one hazard and other underlying vulnerabilities. Drawing on the overall research conducted for this assessment, final conclusions and recommendations have been compiled and grouped into six thematic sets as follows: i) Enhancing policy, legislation and institutional frameworks with a stronger urban focus; ii) Capacity building, knowledge and information management; iii) Strengthening regional and national urban planning for building resilience; iv) Disaster risk financing; v)Promoting durable urban solutions; vi) Strengthened inter-country and inter-city cooperation.
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