Publisher's Synopsis
This book addresses the role, nature and significance of urbanization in Southern and Eastern Africa. It covers the experiences of seven countries ? Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Botswana ? which have all experienced a ?European? form of urbanization, based on the exploitation of primary raw materials and local indigenous labour. Thus the book deliberately focuses on the historical background to urbanization (management and planning) in Eastern and Southern Africa as being an important factor in explaining the various urban management and development problems being faced in Africa today. The major problem in all cases is coping with rapid urbanization especially in the provision of services. Another major problem is the need to create and sustain formal and informal sector employment. Whilst the volume does not address employment-generating policies or strategies, it highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms for financing urban development. This includes the roles of both public and private sector agencies. Another critical variable is the institutional one which requires that the institutional framework be conducive to both good governance and a framework capable of managing investment by both private and public sector agencies. The introduction provides a brief synopsis of each.
