Urban Poverty: Challenges and Solutions

This lecture explores the intricate relationship between poverty and urban development, focusing on the emergence of slums as a reflection of urban poverty. It delves into the complexities of poverty, examining monetary, living conditions, and potential aspects. The discussion also covers the impact of urbanization on poverty, highlighting the positive influence of cities in providing employment opportunities and improved living conditions for migrants. Various international thresholds for defining poverty are discussed, along with the historical context of addressing slums in global forums. The lecture further analyzes the spatial dimensions of poverty through the perspectives of geographers and economists, such as Mohamed Nasiri, Milton Santos, Michael Lipton, and Hernando de Soto. It concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to address urban poverty in African cities, where marginalized populations seek refuge in informal settlements, facing challenges in accessing formal property rights and sustainable development.