Chapter 8: Cities of Sub-Saharan Africa
Discuss the ancient and medieval pre-colonial urban centers in the region
Centers in ruins today. Many W. African trading empires known for having great colleges. Several city-states along Indian Ocean coast in E. Africa.
Discuss British colonial cities with substantial white settlement
Christian missionaries were part of colonial era. Developed more highly segregated urban settlements.
Urban environmental issues in the region
-Little solid waste makes it to landfills, ppl burn/bury waste, 3-45% waste reaches landfills -little environmental regulation -Gov't can't support many urban services -water supply is polluted -cities now have private sector services (water)
Describe the new urban centers of Hope City, Ghana and Konza Tech City, Kenya
Recent years there's been a resource boom and an emerging middle class, rapid development/urbanization. Being marketed as new real-estate venture. Projects being inspired by Dubai & Singapore.
Three largest cities in the region
Lagos, Kinshasa, Khartoum
Total population in Africa
1 billion
What was the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885?
European powers negotiating their territories in Africa. France, Britain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Italy all had territories.
Discuss the European Scramble for Africa
In 1900s there was a race to conquer new land in SSA. France, Britain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Italy all had territories.
What is Sub-Saharan Africa's most populous city and the name of the movie industry that developed there?
Legos, Nigeria. Home of Nollywood.
Describe Nairobi's growing middle class
Middle class there is like upper class here. People live outside city and travel in for work. They have enough money for things like maids, live-in workers, drivers, etc.
Discuss post-colonial urbanization
SSA rapidly urbanized. Wealthy elites living there. Several groups of varying wealth and power in cities. Economic transformation hasn't followed urbanization. People employed in informal sector doing a variety of activities.
Is Sub-Saharan Africa one of the least urbanized regions?
Yes, but it is becoming increasingly urban since the 1960s. Municipal authorities haven't kept up infrastructure demand. But cities are diverse and heterogeneous. Structural adjustment programs have altered livelihood.
