Integrated Productivity in Urban Africa: Introducing the Neo-Mercantile Planning Theory (The Urban Book Series)

This book introduces readers to neo-mercantile planning theory in the context of spatial regional integration in Africa. It proposes a new approach that rethinks neo-liberalism as the meta-theory of planning in Africa, and pioneers an original school of thought that presents a general theory of planning for Africa in the twenty-first century. Research to substantiate the new theory was conducted over the period November 2010 to May 2015 and is presented here in four sections with more than 500 references. The book offers comprehensive coverage, from the theoretical foundations and framework, through application and empirical research, to analysis, conclusions and recommendations. Foreword 6 Preface 8 Acknowledgments 10 Contents 11 Abbreviations 15 1 Introduction 18 Abstract 18 1.1 Perceptions of Urban Productivity in Africa 18 1.2 Extended Definition of Terms 23 1.2.1 Urban Environment 23 1.2.2 Spatial Planning 25 1.2.3 Space Economy 27 1.2.4 Imperialism 29 1.2.5 Neoliberalism 32 1.3 Methodology 33 1.4 Analytical Approach 34 1.5 Synthesis 35 1.6 Structure of Book Report 36 1.7 Conclusion 36 References 37 Theoretical Founding 40 2 Points of Departure and Major Arguments 41 Abstract 41 2.1 Points of Departure 41 2.2 Assumptions 43 2.3 Major Arguments 44 2.3.1 Theoretical Perspective 44 2.3.2 Analytical Perspective 46 2.4 Conclusion 47 References 47 Application of Theory to the Reality Within Africa 48 3 Epistemological Ideologies and Planning (in Africa) 49 Abstract 49 3.1 Imperial Space Economy 49 3.2 Informality in Planning 52 3.2.1 Notions of Informality 52 3.2.2 Notions of Planning 55 3.2.3 Informality and Planning: Notions of Relationships 57 3.3 Informalization of Cities in Africa 59 3.3.1 Contextualizing Major Arguments and Presumptions 59 3.3.2 Diagnosis of Growth Potentials 61 3.4 Basic Scenario of Planning in Select African Countries 64 3.5 Conclusion 91 References 91 4 Meta-Theoretical Frameworks of (Spatial) Planning 94 Abstract 94 4.1 Traditional Perspective 94 4.2 International Perspective 97 4.3 Neoliberalism as Meta-Theory of Planning 101 4.4 Conclusion 104 References 105 5 Theoretical Frameworks 107 Abstract 107 5.1 World-Systems Theory 107 5.2 Growth of Urban (Structure) Theory 109 5.3 Growth of Regional Development Theory 113 5.3.1 The Concept of the Region and Regional (Economic) Integration 113 5.3.2 Review of Regional Development Theories (from 1930s) 115 5.4 Growth of Urban Planning Theory (from 1960s) 122 5.4.1 Master Planning Paradigm 124 5.4.2 The Participatory Planning Paradigm 125 5.4.3 Theoretical Framework of Planning 129 5.5 Spatial Models for Regional Integration 129 5.5.1 The Extended Metropolitan Region (EMR) and Growth Triangle (GT) Model 132 5.5.2 The Poly-centric Model Compared with the EMR Model 133 5.6 Conclusion 134 References 134 6 Overview of Urban Planning Principles and Practice 137 Abstract 137 6.1 Dynamics of Paradigm Shift in Planning Perspective 137 6.2 Trends in Statutory Planning Perspective 138 6.3 Trends in Spatial Planning Perspective 139 6.4 Trends in Spatial (Urban) Planning Initiatives 142 6.4.1 Review of Sustainable Cities Programme (in Nigeria) 142 6.5 Trends in Planning Practice: A Case Study of the Resilience of Formal Planning Practice 148 6.5.1 Methodology 149 6.5.2 Preliminary Literature (Theoretical and Analytical Frameworks) 150 6.6 Summary of Basic Scenario of Planning Practice 154 6.7 Conclusion 157 References 158 7 Analysis of Current Reality (Principles and Practice) 160 Abstract 160 7.1 Functional Flow of Analyses 160 7.2 Deductions of Analysis 162 7.2.1 Timeframe Analysis 162 7.2.2 Regional Analysis 163 7.2.3 MCA Analyses 163 7.2.4 Perception Analyses of Desktop Case Studies 167 7.2.5 SWOT Analyses/Own Assessment 169 7.3 Test of Hypothesis 171 7.4 Scenario Analysis 173 7.5 Conclusion 175 References 176 Synthesis and Statement of New Theory 177 8 African Renaissance 178 Abstract 178 8.1 African Renaissance—a Theory of Development 178 8.2 Conclusion 186 References 187 9 Neo-Mercantilism as Development Ideology (in Africa) 189 Abstract 189 9.1 Neo-Mercantilism: A Rationale for Change 189 9.2 Neo-Mercantilism as Development Ideology (for Africa) 192 9.3 Neo-Mercantile Versus Neoliberal Development Ideologies 196 9.4 Conclusion 198 References 199 10 Introducing Neo-mercantile Planning Theory 201 Abstract 201 10.1 Neo-African Spatial Development Theory 201 10.1.1 Major Argument of Neo-African Spatial Development Theory 204 10.1.2 Neo-mercantile Planning Concept 206 10.1.3 Neo-mercantile Planning Paradigm 208 10.1.4 Neo-mercantile Planning Theoretical Framework 210 10.1.5 Elements of Neo-mercantile Planning Theory 211 10.1.5.1 Neo-mercantile Planning Initiative 215 10.1.5.2 Neo-mercantile Planning (Approach) Perspective 217 10.1.5.3 Neo-mercantile Planning Framework 219 10.2 Spatial Integration Network 222 10.3 Urban Spatial Model 227 10.4 Measure of Time-Efficient Coefficient for the Classification of Settlements 229 10.5 Conclusions 230 References 231 Contribution to New Knowledge, Application and Approaches 233 11 New Knowledge in Planning (in Africa) 234 Abstract 234 11.1 Visioning Process for Spatial Integration Network in Africa 234 11.1.1 Priority Problems 235 11.1.2 Vision Exposition 235 11.1.3 Vision Objectives 236 11.1.3.1 Short-Term Policy Objectives (in Five Years) 237 11.1.3.2 Medium-Term Policy Objectives (in Ten Years) 237 11.1.3.3 Long-Term Policy Objectives (in 15 Years) 237 11.2 Priority Actions 238 11.2.1 Assessment of Current Actions 238 11.2.1.1 NEPAD Initiative 239 11.2.2 Priority for Action 242 11.2.3 Proposed Action Cards 242 11.2.4 Typology of Action 242 11.3 Implementation Strategies 245 11.3.1 Institutional Requirements and Implementation Processes 246 11.3.2 Manpower Requirements 249 11.3.3 Financial Mechanisms 249 11.3.4 Legal Reforms 249 11.3.5 Monitoring Measures 250 11.4 Calendar of the Action Plans for Spatial Regional Integration in Africa 250 11.5 Conclusion 252 References 253 Appendix A 254 Glossary 264 Index 268 Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Introduction....Pages 1-22 Front Matter....Pages 23-23 Points of Departure and Major Arguments....Pages 25-31 Front Matter....Pages 33-33 Epistemological Ideologies and Planning (in Africa)....Pages 35-79 Meta-Theoretical Frameworks of (Spatial) Planning....Pages 81-93 Theoretical Frameworks....Pages 95-124 Overview of Urban Planning Principles and Practice....Pages 125-147 Analysis of Current Reality (Principles and Practice)....Pages 149-165 Front Matter....Pages 167-167 African Renaissance....Pages 169-179 Neo-Mercantilism as Development Ideology (in Africa)....Pages 181-192 Introducing Neo-mercantile Planning Theory....Pages 193-224 Front Matter....Pages 225-225 New Knowledge in Planning (in Africa)....Pages 227-246 Back Matter....Pages 247-268