Developing participatory planning for regenerating a slum area: A case of Makoko in Lagos, Nigeria

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis

Date

2017-12-11

Department

Major/Subject

ENG3035

Mcode

ENG3035

Degree programme

Master’s Programme in Managing Spatial Change (Managing Spatial Change, Land Economy)

Language

en

Pages

67 + 6

Series

Abstract

As planning in Lagos shifts away from informal urban development and towards formal development, informal settlement residents are wary of the changes that will result from this approach. Studies shows that formal urban development in Nigeria's city of Lagos is derived and influenced by the colonial planning experience. As a result, decisions affecting local residents are often made without involving them in discussion. The aim of this study is to investigate residents’ participation in planning decision-making, using Makoko in Lagos as a case study. The case study was carried out through fieldwork, interviews (residents and key actors), and analysis of secondary data. The study also examines and brings the experience of participatory planning undertaken in Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya as a case from which to draw lessons. The Makoko case shows that the slum development strategy is characterized by exclusion and deprivation. It is non-participatory and controlled by the government. The Mathare case reveals how participatory planning created opportunities for local residents to partake and collaborate with state and non-state actors. This study recommends a total paradigm shift from the government driven and top-down approach to people's participation-oriented approach. It recommends a pro-active role for non-governmental actors in developing settlement plans that safeguard the interests of local residents. The findings contribute to understanding how participatory planning can be used to engage local residents in addressing slum regeneration or redevelopment concerns in Lagos.

Description

Supervisor

Mäntysalo, Raine

Thesis advisor

Mäntysalo, Raine

Keywords

participatory planning, collaborative, slum, regeneration, Lagos

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