Informality and equitable urban resilience

The Informality and Equitable Urban Resilience working group focuses on the pervasive role of informality in shaping urban life in the Global South, particularly in southern Africa. Despite its significant impact on urban dynamics, the connection between informality, urban inequality, and resilience is often overlooked in contemporary urban planning. This neglect poses a risk of perpetuating disparities and hindering effective responses to crises and climate-related shocks. To address this gap, the working group’s goal is to synthesize research and practices from southern Africa and other Global South contexts, comprehensively examining how informality influences urban resilience. Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise in climate change adaptation, social-ecological resilience, urban governance, social movements, and environmental justice, the group aims to formulate recommendations for enhanced urban planning and governance in southern African cities and beyond. With representatives from ICLEI Africa and Slum Dwellers International, organizations closely engaged with urban communities and decision-makers across southern Africa, the working group’s insights bridge the gap between research and on-the-ground experience, enhancing the practical relevance of their work.

Working group members

Hallie Eakin, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University
Gina Ziervogel, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town
Maike Hamann, Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University and Centre for Geography and Environmental Science, University of Exeter
Martha Sibanda, Slum Dwellers International (SDI)
Ernita van Wyk, ICLEI Africa – Local Governments for Sustainability
Jade Sullivan, ICLEI Africa – Local Governments for Sustainability
Nadine Methner, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town
Johan Enqvist, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town and Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University