Overview

The world's population is rapidly urbanizing but the affluence and development often associated with cities are far from equitably or sustainably distributed. Where it was once taken for granted that responsibility for urban development lay with the state, increasingly the emphasis has shifted to market-driven and public-private sector initiatives, which can marginalize the intended beneficiaries - the urban poor - from decision making and implementation. This text outlines the essential conditions for effective urban planning and management by placing bottom-up community initiatives at the heart of the push for equitable and sustainable development in cities. Crucially, the state must engage with both the market and civil society in pursuit of sustainable cities. Presenting a wide-ranging selection of case studies in rapidly urbanizing and transitional countries, from the poorest parts of Africa and Asia to the relatively developed United Kingdom, the authors describe and analyze innovations in how globally disadvantaged urban communities can be engaged in improving their living environments.

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9781853837173

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'An important, as well as a significant attempt to investigate the role of civil society concerning itself with urban problems.' Progress In Development Studies 'One comes away from this book with a deep appreciation for the complexity of community development and for levels of analysis that will be essential in this globalising era if we are to understand it.' Development In Practice 'It is a well-edited book that provides positive, encouraging examples of urban development that are peaceful, environmentally sound and improve the dignity and living conditions of urban citizens.' Urban Studies 'This book argues that sustainable urban development is a political process which involves both strategic objectives and enhanced democratic participation.' Aslib Book Guide

The management of fast-growing cities around the world draws increasing scholarly attention. The editors, affiliated with the Centre for Environment and Human Settlements at Edinburgh, Scotland, seek to link urban development programs and environmental sustainability with citizen efforts to raise the quality of political as well as economic life in those cities. This collection of eight cases from Mozambique, Pakistan, China, Costa Rica, the Philippines, South Africa, and the UK examines means by which local social movements have promoted sustainable development. Each case is similarly organized, allowing ready comparison despite diverse contexts. The cases portray the interactions between governments, businesses, and civil society associations, in which community takes on global as well as local dimensions. A consistent theme stressed throughout is resident associations' taking active part in decision making and management. Skill development in this area is discussed. The editors open with two chapters that supply the analytical framework and close with two others that draw out the lessons learned. This coherent and valuable collection should be useful for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty in urban studies and comparative development. --- W. C. Johnson, Bethel College (MN) in CHOICE

Author Information

Michael Carley is Honorary Professor at the School of Planning and Housing, Edinburgh College of Art/Heriot-Watt University where Paul Jenkins is Director of the Centre for Environment and Human Settlements and Harry Smith has worked as a Research Associate. Michael is co-author of Sharing the World and Managing Sustainable Development: Second Edition; Paul has extensive professional and research experience in southern Africa; Harry is currently Central Development Officer at Community Self-Build Scotland.

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