URBANIZATION AND USAID PROGRAMMING 

IHC DEVELOPS A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR USAID URBAN PROGRAMS

 

In December 2009, the IHC prepared a proposal to USAID for developing a new conceptual framework for assistance programming for the urban poor.  The framework is contained in a paper commissioned by IHC and prepared by Steve Giddings, entitled "Proposal for a New USAID Approach to Programming for the Urban Poor."  The IHC plans to engage USAID in a discussion about the proposal in the months ahead.  For a copy please send an email request to Bob Dubinsky at Dubinsky@intlhc.org. We appreciate any comments you may have about this proposal.

 

The framework starts from the premise that urban growth in the developing world is an inevitable force and a defining reality of the 21st century, and follows the well-worn path of the developed world. However, urban growth is often viewed exclusively in terms of its shorter-term, negative consequences.  A more constructive perspective focuses instead on the positive consequences of urbanization, including climate change mitigation through transportation efficiencies, increased food security through improved urban-rural linkages, and poverty alleviation through economic growth based on the efficiency of urban areas.  It is argued that USAID, as a global leader in addressing poverty, economic growth, and social and democratic development, can and should demonstrate that it can adapt to the rapidly changing demographics in developing countries and establish itself as a leader in urban programming and slum upgrading. 

The framework suggests four initiatives:

• Assistance to individual country USAID missions to increase their understanding of the issues facing the urban poor.

• Pilot programs, funded through existing USAID authorities and resources, designed and implemented to test key concepts and approaches to improving urban planning and development.

• A modest $10-12 million incentive fund to complement funds put up by country missions to develop innovative approaches to address urban poverty.

• Addition of 10-15 urban/housing specialist positions at USAID.

The Paper notes that there are substantial benefits from this approach.  First, it would enhance the effectiveness of existing efforts by creating synergies among many sector-specific activities already taking place in urban areas, lending cohesion and cost-effectiveness to USAID's overall program in a country.  Of particular interest are on-going initiatives for youth, local economic development, education, and micro-enterprise development.

Second, this type of approach can align with the some of the Agency's overarching global development priorities, notably climate change and health.  Pilot programs would help test various approaches to comprehensive urban programming.

Third, such an approach would increase the efficiency of USAID assistance and, given the high population density in urban areas, would benefit large numbers of people for relatively few resources per capita.

 

Finally, the approach would demonstrate USAID's commitment to leadership in addressing the challenges of urbanization.  The World Bank estimates that about one billion people, one-sixth of humanity, now live in squalid urban slums where daily existence is a struggle.  This approach would draw much needed attention to the issues affecting this large segment of society and would provide opportunities for new partnerships with other donor agencies and foundations.

WORLD URBAN POPULATION 

THE GROWTH IS UNRELENTING AS WORLD PASSES A MILESTONE

 

According to the United Nations Population Fund, the world achieved an urbanization milestone in 2008.  Half the world's people, 3.3 of 6.6 billion, were living in urban areas.  By 2030, 5 billion people will be city dwellers, and more than 81 percent of them will be in developing countries. From 2000 to 2030, in just one generation, the combined urban populations of Asia and Africa will double from 1.7 to 3.4 billion people.

The pace of urbanization is truly astonishing. From 1900 to 2000, the number of city dwellers rose from 220 million to 2.8 billion, more than a 10-fold increase!  Managing this process has and will continue to draw on the top minds of generations to come.