Urbanisation and development in West Africa: Challenges and policy implications.

Abstract

The West African sub-region is experiencing a sprout in urbanisation. Although it is adjudged the second slowest growing region in Africa, its rate of urban growth is still quite high by world standards. In 1960, the urban component of the region was estimated to be only 19.6 percent, but in 2000 it had grown to 40.7 percent (UNCHS, 1996). Is this fast pace of urban growth synonymous with socio-economic development in the region as is seen elsewhere? Unfortunately, this is not so. Rather, urban conditions and infrastructure remain parlous with abject poverty, illegal and ghetto settlements, poor communication and accessibility; ineffectual electricity water and sanitation refuse disposal and housing services. There are peculiarities and factors that drive the urbanisation process. This contribution tries to find meaning for the seemingly intractable developmental nexus vis-à-vis rapid urbanisation within the sub region. Some policy options are proffered as sustainable alternatives to obviate this anomalous state of affairs.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol.3 () 2006: pp.265-283