Reinterpreting Sub-Saharan Cities Through the Concept of Adaptive Capacity : An Analysis of Autonomous Adaptation in Response to Environmental Changes in Peri-Urban Areas

This book explores whether and how a reinterpretation of Sub-Saharan cities, through the concept of adaptive capacity, could bridge this distance and contribute to a new understanding of the contemporary city. The research contributes to improved knowledge of urban and environmental planning and of the dynamics of development and environmental management in peri-urban areas of Dar es Salaam. This knowledge highlights the limits of certain common generalizations on the character of peri-urban areas. Moreover, the research provides methodological contribution derived from considerations on the strengths and weakness of tools and methods for investigating adaptive capacity and for environmental management, in the city of Dar es Salaam. Finally, it highlights controversial issues and possible research paths related to the relationship between adaptive capacity and urban and environmental planning. Front Matter....Pages i-xii Introduction....Pages 1-8 Cities of Sub-Saharan Africa: Failed or Ordinary Cities?....Pages 9-46 Interpreting the Sub-Saharan City: Approaches for Urban Development....Pages 47-88 Environmental Management and Urbanization: Dar es Salaam as an Illustrative Case....Pages 89-127 Adaptive Capacity as a Strategic Element for Reducing Vulnerability to Environmental Changes....Pages 129-159 Conclusions: The Distance Between Critical Review and Institutional Commitment....Pages 161-174 Back Matter....Pages 175-211