From the guest editor

Indication of a climatic change is ubiquitous. Cities and communities in both South Africa and Africa are increasingly susceptible to the negative aspects of climate change, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, with extreme events such as floods, drought, water stress, rise in sea level, heatwaves and storms, which are highest on the list of exposure to economic and social risks in cities (World Bank, 2019). Concurrently, socio-economic and demographic developments can make cities and communities more vulnerable. These will have profound impacts on a wide range of city and community functions, infrastructure and services such as energy, transport, water, sanitation, and health, and will affect the quality of life. The National Climate Change Response (NCCR) outlines challenges in relation to inertia and risks created by existing investment in infrastructure and mechanisms of service delivery that may not be well adapted to a changing climate. In light of the aforementioned, there is an urgent need for cities and communities to invest in long-term mitigation and preventive measures, in order to improve their resilience

From the guest editors

The land issue is still making waves across Southern Africa, with South Africa being the latest focus of dispute. An article, featured in the Daily Maverick on 29 May 2019, indicates that “Land reform is a broad social challenge that requires the commitment of every South African to ensure the  sustainability and prosperity of an inclusive South African economy. The land question is not only an agricultural land problem, but it also relates to urban and peri-urban land” (Kirsten & Vink, 2019: n.p.).&nbsp

The Dilemmas of Rural Planning and Planners in Oyo State, Nigeria

The focus on urban planning continues to flood the global literature. However, there is continued silence and neglect with regard to rural planning. The study examined the state of rural planning in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was sourced using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Questionnaires were administered to two hundred and fifty (250) rural households in six (6) rural local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo State. It was revealed that rural areas remain neglected and behind in planning activities. A majority of respondents believe that no planning takes place in the rural communities in which they reside. The study concludes that improved communication on planning issues between the tiers of the bureau of physical planning and urban development offices remains the route to effective planning. Improved capacity building (expertise) and training are suggested for rural planners. It is also suggested that understanding the local culture is important in contributing towards effective and responsive rural planning

Rural Energy Conditions in Oyo State: Present and Future Perspectives on the Untapped Resources

Over 60% of the Nigeria population still resides within the rural spaces. These rural spaces are zones of isolation with yet high electricity and energy demand for enhanced livelihood and settlement liveability. Despite the demand for electricity in these rural areas, it still remains under-serviced as far as accessibility to stable electricity supply is concerned; likewise connection history to conventional electricity grid is many rural areas remains a mirage. With rural energy resource potentials untapped, this study made use of both qualitative and qualitative data gathered across 472 rural households in 9 randomly selected rural local government areas (LGAs) to provide a narrative into the rural household energy experiences. The study brings to light the abundance of the unutilized renewable resources that can be utilized towards providing electricity for rural households. Limitation identified includes weak political will, limited profit orientation of electricity investors and limited energy choice information to households. Keywords: Electricity; Renewable energy; Rural households JEL Classifications: O18, Q42, Q43 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.755

Urban Forced Eviction: Experiences in the Metropolitan City of Lagos, Nigeria

Urban poverty coupled with housing shortages have contributed to the proliferation of informal settlements and slums. This is one of the complex problems arising out of urbanization and which is piling pressure on urban authorities to use unorthodox methods (such as forced evictions) to ameliorate the situation. This paper revisits the use of forced migration in Badia East Community of Lagos city. Using the human security concept as a framework for analysis, the paper chronicles how urban forced migration is used as a tool to relocate the vulnerable urban poor by urban authorities in their bid to achieve sustainable development. Critical insight into the nature of these migrations was achieved by gathering data using the mixed approach. Finding from the study revealed rampant human abuse through the use of force during the eviction process. The paper concludes by recommending that the government should use best practices, (such as adequate government-assistance) during relocations and rehousing option explored.

THE IMPACT OF ISLAND CITY IN THE POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA: FOCUS ON BANTUSTANS

Proceedings of the XXV ISUF International Conference “Urban Form and Social Context: from Traditions to Newest Demands” (Krasnoyarsk, July 5–9, 2018)The apartheid doctrine of racial segregation has been inextricably bound up with urbanization. The creation of so-called ‘Homelands’ or ‘Bantustans’ for the African majority population, was largely an attempt to constrain urbanization, with the notorious ‘pass laws’ controlling entry to the cities in a manner consistent with demands for labour. The South African cities were therefore subjected to unnatural growth patterns; brought through apartheid planning that legitimised exclusionary practices in cities and which created and maintained racal, social and class differences between people. More than two decades after the end of apartheid, urban settlement planning in a democratic South Africa has created secluded settlements with fragmented public services delivery. These settlements are isolated in any terms from mainstream city development and also reflect a mismatch to development trajectory of the country’s economy. From the very essence of this mismatch or misfit, sprouts the concept of an Island City. From the backdrop of apartheid city, this paper interrogates the perpetuation of spatial inequality in former Bantustan urban centres, which in this context continue existing as “islands”. The argument stems from a concerning challenge confronting the post-apartheid government to eradicate legacies associated with the apartheid regime

The Dilemmas of Rural Planning and Planners in Oyo State, Nigeria

The focus on urban planning continues to flood the global literature. However, there is continued silence and neglect with regard to rural planning. The study examined the state of rural planning in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was sourced using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Questionnaires were administered to two hundred and fifty (250) rural households in six (6) rural local government areas (LGAs) of Oyo State. It was revealed that rural areas remain neglected and behind in planning activities. A majority of respondents believe that no planning takes place in the rural communities in which they reside. The study concludes that improved communication on planning issues between the tiers of the bureau of physical planning and urban development offices remains the route to effective planning. Improved capacity building (expertise) and training are suggested for rural planners. It is also suggested that understanding the local culture is important in contributing towards effective and responsive rural planning

Spatial Matrices of Urban Expansion in Lafia, North-Central Nigeria

Rapid urbanisation in African cities has caused considerable problems by hindering their ability to meet infrastructure and service needs, resulting in rising land-use consumption. This study examines how land use/land cover change in Lafia, a city in North-central Nigeria, has impacted the city's boundaries between 1999 and 2019 and includes a projection using GIS simulation of land use/ land cover to 2029. The methodology includes remote sensing techniques, spatiotemporal analysis of geographical measurements, and statistical models. This study involved spatial analysis and projection of city growth from 1999 to 2029 in Lafia using GIS. This analysis focuses on the changes in built-up areas, vegetal cover, bare land, and water bodies using land-use/landcover data. The results indicated significant urban expansion and its impact on the city's spatial patterns. The Urban Expansion Differentiation Index (UEDI) and Urban Expansion Intensity Index (UEII)were used to assess urban sprawl and socioeconomic patterns such as population density and density gradient. High residential and employment densities, varied land uses, continuous development, and multi-modal transportation are all important for sustainable urban growth. The study indicates a direct relationship between population growth and urban expansion, as seen in Lafia. Furthermore, the findings suggest that cities grow beyond their typical boundaries, resulting in peri-urban expansion, as shown in the Alakio districts of the Lafia Metropolis. The study findings have important implications for urban growth policy and land use/land cover change. They will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of urban growth on the spatial matrix and morphology of cities, assisting city planners in recognizing these effects. Furthermore, the study adds evidence to the continuing debate about urban expansion, liveability, and spatial sustainability in African cities. The thorough examination of land use/land cover change in Lafia sheds light on the spatial dynamics of urbanisation and its implications for sustainable urban development