This paper examines the specific urban development challenges and opportunities facing the city of Kabul. It first presents the main findings from the State of Afghan Cities 2014/15 Programme land use and housing analysis.
Knowing Kabul. A potential powerhouse of social and economic development
Understanding Urbanisation. Monitoring urban dynamics in a fragile and resource-constrained context.
This discussion paper highlights that Afghanistan faces a formidable 'data deficit', especially in terms of urban–disaggregated data.
The paper reviews the current status of urban monitoring and provides an overview of the pioneering methodology developed in The State of Afghan Cities Programme 2014/15 to gather more reliable and up–to–date data on urbanisation.
Inclusive Cities. Toward gender equality, youth empowerment, and non-discrimination.
This paper examines the situation in Afghan cities for:
(i) women and girls
(ii) returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
(iii) youth
(iv) ethnic minorities
Common to all is their heightened socio-economic marginalisation and vulnerability, exclusion from urban decision-making, and weaker urban safety and security.
Municipal Governance: A vital piece of the sub-national governance puzzle
This discussion paper examines the situation, challenges and opportunities facing Afghanistan's cities in terms of municipal governance. It shows that the 33 Provincial Municipalities1 are a key sub-national governance element that are, more than ever, vital to achieve the Government's vision of a self-reliant Afghanistan.
Afghan Cities for Life: Respecting and protecting the environment for healthy and livable cities
This discussion paper examines key environmental challenges facing Afghan cities, including services such as transport, water, and sanitation; natural resource management; and climate change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
A Home for All Afghans
This discussion paper examines housing in Afghan cities. The paper advocates for a 'twin track' approach to improve access to adequate housing. One 'track' is to recognize and upgrade existing informal areas.
Guiding Urban Growth
This discussion paper examines the importance of urban planning for achieving sustainable urbanization.
Managing Land, Mobilizing Revenue: Strengthening municipal finance and land administration through property registration and taxation
This discussion paper examines the enormous potential to increase local revenues through land and property taxation in cities. The paper reviews experiences over the past five years in five of Afghanistan's largest cities: Kandahar, Herat, Jalalabad, Lashkar Gah and Mazar-e-Sharif.
Urban Solidarity: Community-led neighbourhood upgrading by people, for people
This discussion paper reflects on over 10 years of community-based neighbourhood upgrading in Afghanistan's cities. It shows the huge potential and value of citizen engagement in upgrading, promoting a culture of civic responsibility and community solidarity.