Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/bidonvilles
Urbanization across Africa has led to a surge in informal and precarious neighborhoods, posing significant challenges for city planners and policymakers. The Coursera course, ‘Villes africaines : Restructuration des quartiers précaires,’ offers an in-depth exploration of these issues, focusing on understanding the formation, organization, and functioning of these neighborhoods.
One of the highlights of this course is its comprehensive approach, starting from the root causes of urban precarity to examining real-world intervention strategies. The course’s first week delves into the genesis and scale of precarious neighborhoods in African cities, highlighting the importance of land and housing issues in urban integration.
Subsequent weeks offer a detailed analysis of the diversity of informal neighborhoods, categorizing them based on characteristics and irregularities. This is crucial for understanding that not all precarious neighborhoods are the same and require tailored solutions.
The third week critically evaluates the responses opted by governments and international donors like the World Bank, providing participants with a balanced view of urban intervention strategies. Case studies from Morocco and Senegal serve as practical illustrations of ongoing improvement projects.
Further, the course explores methodologies and tools for restructuring, emphasizing two main approaches: complete resorption and in-situ restructuring. The example of Elmina neighborhood in Nouakchott gives valuable insights into the practical steps involved in such projects.
Finally, the course culminates with an evaluation week, encouraging students to apply their knowledge through exercises and quizzes. Overall, this course is a must for urban planners, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in sustainable urban development in Africa.
I highly recommend this course for its thorough content, real-world cases, and practical insights. It provides essential knowledge for anyone looking to understand and participate in the transformation of Africa’s urban landscapes.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/bidonvilles