Placemaking and sustainability in Africa: Advancing inclusive and circular development
Africa’s rapid urbanisation and socio-economic challenges, coupled with escalating inequality (Woyo and Tafirenyika, 2024) and the impacts of climate change, suggest the critical importance of sustainable placemaking. Urban spaces across the continent are increasingly pressured to respond to complex issues related to population growth, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities. Although placemaking and sustainability have been extensively studied in other parts of the world, African contexts are underrepresented in this discourse. Research has predominantly focused on Western contexts, overlooking the distinct challenges that African cities face, such as the rapid pace of urban growth, significant inequality, and pronounced vulnerability to climate change. The special issue seeks to address these gaps by examining how placemaking initiatives in Africa contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 10 (reduced inequalities), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action). It will address key challenges, such as inequality, responsible consumption, and climate resilience.
Existing literature reveals lack of theoretical frameworks that encompasses the intersection of placemaking, sustainability, and social equity in African cities. Studies on informal placemaking highlight the role of grassroots efforts in fostering sustainable communities (Erek and Krasznahorkai, 2024); however, these studies rarely include African case studies. Similarly, research on small urban municipalities in Ontario has also shown that local governance plays a critical role in sustainable development (Turvey, 2017), suggesting that examining the challenges and contributions of local governance in African cities could reveal valuable insights into how placemaking can support urban development. Moreover, studies on the socio-political dimensions of placemaking in informal settlements emphasise the importance of community-driven urban generation (Beza and Hernandez-Garcia, 2017), a theme that resonates strongly with the grassroots movements and community organisations found in many African cities. This special issue will thus provide new perspectives on how African placemaking initiatives, involving governments, businesses, and community stakeholders, contribute to sustainable development goals, enhancing inclusive, resilient urban spaces.
Read more on the Emerald website at: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/calls-for-papers/placemaking-and-sustainability-africa-advancing-inclusive-and-circular-development
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.