Sustainable urbanization is known to be a vehicle for national economic and social transformation. By sustainable urbanization we mean the transition of rural-urban landscapes that structure both rural and urban economy, ecology and society in ways that reward the present generation with higher quality of life but without endangering and diminishing the living standards of future generations.
This structural shift is underpinned by proper planning, supported by enforceable legal mechanisms and, by so doing, brings about rapid economic progress and the equitable development of citizens. When rural-urban shift is properly managed alongside industrialization and planned urban space, it tends to lead to higher productivity and, eventually, rising living standards and better quality of life.
Sustainable urbanization spawns cities that evolve into centres of change and innovation, mainly because the concentration of people, resources and activities support human creativity. However, research has shown that there are a number of countries that are highly urbanized without having seen a large shift of economic activity towards manufacturing and services in most developing countries. This phenomenon is discussed in this study.
Structural Transformation in Developing Countries: Cross Regional Analysis
Structural transformation is defined as the transition of an economy from low productivity and labour-intensive economic activities to higher productivity and skill intensive activities. The driving force behind structural transformation is the change of productivity in the modern sector, which is dominated by manufacturing and services. It is also characterized by the movement of the workforce from labour-intensive activities to skill-intensive ones.
The movement of labour is severely affected by the existence of opportunities in skill-intensive sectors because, even if these opportunities exist, labour might only move to a new sector if it is properly trained to be absorbed by the sector. The existing labour force would therefore require requisite training before moving to the new sector. Empirical evidence also suggests that structural change can take place without much change in labour productivity.
The pattern of structural change observed in many African countries is a case in point. In that scenario, changes in economic structure are driven largely by the export of natural resource-based products. A study by Vries et. al. (2013) analysed structural transformation in 11 Sub-Saharan African. This study analyses the reasons for stagnant or declining productivity in”modern”sectors”on”the” African”continent.
State of the World's Cities 2010/2011- Cities for All: Bridging the Urban Divide
This report uses the framework of 'The Urban Divide' to analyse the complex social, political, economic and cultural dynamics of urban environments. It addresses poverty and deprivation, which expose low-income urban dwellers to higher risks and make them even more vulnerable. The overall book focuses on the concept of the 'right to the city' and the ways in which many urban dwellers are excluded from the advantages of city life, using the framework to explore links among poverty, inequality, slum formation and economic growth.
The volume is intended for all professionals and policymakers in the field and aims to be a valuable resource for researchers and students in all aspects of urban development.
Contents include:
Part 01: Urban Trends
1.1 Cross-Currents in Global Urbanization
1.2 The Wealth of Cities
1.3 Slum Dwellers: Proportions are Declining, but Numbers are Growing
Part 02: The Urban Divide
2.1 The Urban Divide: Overview and Perspectives
2.2 The Economic Divide: Urban Income Inequalities
2.3 The Spatial Divide: Marginalization and its Outcomes
2.4 The Opportunity Divide: When the "Urban Advantage" Eludes the Poor
2.5 The Social Divide: Impact on Bodies and Minds
Part 03: Bridging the Urban Divide
3.1 Taking Forward the Right to the City
3.2 The Regional Dynamics of Inclusion
3.3 The Five Steps to an Inclusive City
State of the World's Cities Report 2010/2011 Abridged Version
Productive transformation policies have gained renewed prominence in recent years. In both developed and developing countries, governments and private sector actors have begun planning and implementing programmes and instruments for private sector development; cluster promotion and value chain; as well as supply chain approaches linked to infrastructure provision, innovation and equity.
Many triggers have led to this revival:
(a) the economic crisis of 2008 demonstrated to governments the importance of regulation and policies to addressing market failures;
(b) the significant rise of intermediate cities and the dynamism of large cities, who are pushing for locally promoted policies with more autonomy and leverage; and
(c) productive policies are increasingly seen as a tool to generate jobs, to support micro and small-sized business, and create wealth. For the purposes of this report, Productive Transformation Policies (PTP) are defined as public programs and instruments designed to create jobs and achieve sustainable growth through higher productivity and promotion of competitive sectors.
Advancing Economic Citizenship for Children and Youth in Sub Saharan Africa
This joint publication by CYFI and UN-Habitat examines youth economic citizenship in Sub-Saharan Africa. This publication provides an overview of economic citizenship, explains how it is relevant to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and provides research findings on its application in the region. Detailed case studies are provided on financial literacy and financial education initiatives for children and youth in Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Challenge of Local Government Financing in Developing Countries
Cities are assets, solutions and drivers of economic and social development. Cities possess huge untapped economic potential that can and should be leveraged to create wealth and economic opportunities for all. This requires good urban planning that supports urban compactness, integration, and connectivity. However, even the best urban plans risk ending up unused if they are not accompanied by financial and regulatory strategies for implementation. Strategic public investments must go hand in hand with strategic funding mechanisms and supporting governance systems.
The report also identifies successful governance mechanisms for efficient and equitable provision of public services in metropolitan areas of developing countries, and shares experiences and methods to making public service provision more viable in peri-urban areas of large cities and in smaller urban centres of these countries.
Housing Finance Mechanisms in the Republic of Korea
This publication is an evaluation housing finance mechanisms in Republic of Korea. It details Republic of Korea’s experience with this type of financing and may provide other countries with insights that could inform their efforts to promote effective housing and housing finance systems.
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