Subversive formalization
[Article behind paywall] State entities in Brazil have rolled out numerous programs to “integrate” precarious settlements into the so-called formal city of Rio de Janeiro. Two of the most visceral … Continue reading
The role of small cities in shaping youth employment outcomes in India and Indonesia
Across the world, many emerging economies find themselves at a critical juncture known as the “demographic dividend”. This report presents evidence on the role of small cities in shaping the … Continue reading
Informal work in sub-Saharan Africa Dead end or steppingstone?
Despite rapid economic growth in recent decades, informality remains a persistent phenomenon in the labour markets of many low- and middle-income countries. A key issue in this regard concerns the … Continue reading
The Hidden Wealth of Cities : Creating, Financing, and Managing Public Spaces
In every city, the urban spaces that form the public realm—ranging from city streets, neighborhood squares, and parks to public facilities such as libraries and markets—account for about one-third of … Continue reading
Informal rental housing in the South: dynamic but neglected
Informal rental housing is growing rapidly in cities of the global South. Changing needs and circumstances of diverse urban populations produce new forms of rental accommodation and landlord–tenant relations. Focusing … Continue reading
Informality, culture and governance in the global South
This paper provides an epistemological critique of informality by focusing on cultural governance in two cities of the global South, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Dakar, Senegal. Aiming to enrich … Continue reading
Smart city making? The spread of ICT-driven plans and infrastructures in Nairobi
Since the late 2000s, the city of Nairobi in Kenya has become a focal point of large-scale and ambitious technology-driven city making processes and ambitions. In this study, we draw … Continue reading
Street Vending and Competitive Advantage: Towards Building a Theoretical Framework
The study examines the strategies adopted by street vendors or hawkers in Ghana in a bid to gain competitive advantage. Drawing on six focus group meetings held with street vendors … Continue reading
