Edward Elgar Publishing International Handbook of Urban Policy, Volume 3: Issues in the Developing World

This important Handbook reveals that most urban growth takes place in the less developed world and much of it represents over-urbanization that is, urbanization in which most migrants cannot effectively compete for employment, cannot find adequate shelter and do not have the means to feed themselves properly. Yet, compared to rural poverty, urban poverty is widely regarded as the lesser of the two evils. H.S. Geyer and his contributors highlight the enormous challenges posed by urbanization to decision makers at all levels of government. This final volume, in a series of three original reference works, covers four broad themes including: urban growth patterns; spatial issues; policy issues; and urban growth determinants. The chapters have been written not only for the advanced student and academics but also with undergraduate students in mind. The Handbook will appeal to scholars and researchers interested in international urban development issues. Contributors: R. Behrens, D.P. Cilliers, S.S. Cilliers, H. de Zeeuw, J.E. Drewes, M.J. Du Toit, M. Dubbeling, H.S. Geyer, A. Golub, B. Graizbord, J.J. Klink, K. Landman, D. Mookherjee, S. Mukherji, M. Pacione, J. Pantelic, P. Salazar Ferro, H. Schalekamp, B. Srdanovic, A.S. Steyn, V. Watson, P. Wilkinson Review The 22 authors who contributed their ideas to this volume deserve sincere appreciation for their attempt to present a clear and comprehensive discussion on urban policy issues in the developing world. They cover key policy issues that are at the forefront of both urban theory and practice nowadays, including urban fragmentation, evolving urban forms, population as well as labor and capital mobility, communicative planning, urban transport systems, urban agriculture, spatial economic disparities, and sustainability (environment, economic, and social). . . A noteworthy feature of the book is the use of well-conceived conceptual frameworks that frame the key policy issues. . . The main strengths of the book are its development of a number of conceptual frameworks and models that serve as excellent aids in policy analysis, the rich historical backgrounds of policies and programs, the comprehensive review of the literature that sheds light on the evolution of ideas and theories, and the new information on a number of African countries that portray recent events in the development of cities on that continent. --Aprodicio Laquian, Journal of Regional Science About the Author Edited by H.S. Geyer, Director, Centre for Regional and Urban Innovation and Statistical Exploration (CRUISE), Stellenbosch University, South Africa