Air pollution and poor urban air quality is a major contributor to poor living environments and premature deaths in many cities in the African region, yet the extent of this problem remains largely unseen.
At the first of a series of SASBE seminars on sustainable design, that took place on 19 June 2024, three speakers, Prof Engineer Bainomugisha (Makere University), Dr Monika Kamkuemah (UrbanBetter Initiative) and Olamide Ejorh (Lagos Urban Development Initiative), presented the work that they are currently undertaking in addressing the problem.
Ranging from the data collection initiatives and continuing monitoring projects by AirQo, headed by Prof Bianomugisha, that are implemented in multiple cities in Africa, to youth-led participatory advocacy drives that UrbanBetter initiated in Accra, Lagos and Cape Town, to fine-grained walkability mapping undertaken by LUDI (Lagos Urban Development Initiative) in multiple neighbourhoods in Lagos, all the speakers highlighted the importance of accurate and reliable data needed to drive change.
Key conclusions
From the highly insightful presentations a few key conclusions were drawn:
- Reliable and accurate data is critical to enable change. This provides communities the knowledge to advocate for changes in policy and development in their cities, as well as equip city officials to make decisions and develop appropriate policies.
- Different data collection approaches can be followed. Data collection drives can be both rapid and broad-ranging to advocate for change, but there is also a need for continuous stable data monitoring to guide policy development.
- A community of practice throughout a network of African cities are needed to support the development of healthy cities throughout the region.
- Citizens can be part of this community and important players to bring to the table for discussion. Providing them with knowledge and data enables citizens to engage with city officials on issues on a more equitable basis.
- While rapid participatory drives with local communities can build momentum, research teams and NGOs must also be willing to provide long-term support to communities to drive change and take action.
- All three presenters highlighted the value of developing alternative, more inclusive, methods of data collection and engagement. The value of using appropriate technology for the context is critical to complete these projects.
The seminar was well attended followed by a robust discussion afterwards and we would like to thank all who took the time to join us.
This seminar series is organised by the Smart and Sustainable Built Environment Working Group (W116) of the CIB (in collaboration with the University of Pretoria Architecture Department). The series aims to make innovative and exciting research currently undertaken by researchers from around the world available and accessible to practitioners, students and researchers. We would like to thank Dr Jeremy Gibberd for chairing the seminar and should anyone be interested in participating in the seminar series or would like to propose a theme to consider please email Dr Jan Hugo at [email protected].
