Call for papers

URBANIZATION AND POVERTY IN AFRICA: Evidence on linkages between urbanization, poverty and
human well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa

Organized by the IUSSP Scientific Panel on Population Growth and Human Welfare in Africa,
with the support of the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Nairobi, Kenya, 10-11 September 2007

Unprecedented urban population growth in the context of lacklustre economic performance in most African countries has created a new face of poverty characterised by a significant proportion of urban populations living in over-crowded informal settlements, commonly known as slums. Urban population growth in sub-Saharan Africa is driven partly by rural to urban migration of young adults seeking jobs and other livelihood opportunities, but more and more by endogenous population growth at the favour of a young demographic profile. Estimates by UN-Habitat show that about 70% of all urban residents in sub-Saharan Africa live in slums. The experiences of the urban poor are characterized by reliance on cash economy, overcrowding, poor environmental sanitation, lack of security, lack of social and health services, greater indulgence in risky sexual practices, social fragmentation, and high levels of mobility. This has led to the growth of highly marginalized sub-populations within African cities with health and well-being indicators that are increasingly becoming worse than those of other sub-groups and even of the rural poor. Without significant improvement in the well-being of slum dwellers, the Millennium Development Goals are unlikely to be attained.

Given the increasingly poor living conditions and livelihood opportunities that are observed in most metropolitan centres in the region, it appears paradoxical that many rural residents continue to flock to urban areas. Classical migration theories portray migrants as homo economicus moving to areas which maximize their household incomes and overall well-being. The fact that the urban growth rates have persisted at such high levels despite the sustained economic downturn experienced over the past two to three decades underscores the need for better understanding of rural-urban migrations in sub-Saharan Africa and to address the consequent growth of urban poverty. The growing contribution of endogenous urban growth does not overshadow the importance of migration. Circular migration (between urban and rural areas, as well as between urban areas) is now becoming part and parcel of the migration system in Africa. What are the relations between these intense migration flows and urban poverty?

This seminar will draw together evidence on the dynamic linkages between urbanization, poverty and human well-being in Africa. Papers will be invited that address the following:
a) Links between migration, urban population growth and human development (i.e. economic, social, health outcomes)
b) Future scenarios of urbanization in Africa and predictions of impacts on the environment and human development
c) Differentials of health and social outcomes by urban and rural and by wealth status
d) Strategies for reducing high urban growth and improving the well-being of slum dwellers
Methodological papers on measuring migration and urban poverty

The organizers particularly seek contributions from those in local government, town planning, and city councils on strategies for reducing urban growth and improving the wellbeing of slum dwellers.

The IUSSP panel on Population Growth and Human Welfare in Africa invites researchers in the above field to submit a detailed 500-1000 word abstract (and if the author(s) wish, a full paper which must be unpublished) and fill out the online submission form before 23 June. If the paper is co-authored, please indicate the names of co-authors at the end of the abstract. Submission should be made by the author who will attend the seminar.

Applicants will be notified whether their paper has been accepted by 1 July 2007. In the case of acceptance on the basis of an abstract, the completed paper must be uploaded on the IUSSP website by 15 August 2007.

Abstracts and papers must be submitted in English only and the working language at the meeting is English. In addition to dissemination through posting on the member-restricted portion of the IUSSP website, seminar organizers will explore possibilities for publishing the papers in a scientific journal focusing on urban issues to see if they can publish high quality papers from the seminar in one issue or as a supplement.
Participants are encouraged to seek their own funding to cover the cost of their participation in the seminar. However, those who need financial assistance from the IUSSP should indicate their need when they submit by ticking the appropriate box on the on-line submission form when submitting paper or abstract.
For further information, please contact Dr. Philippe Bocquier