Research Project

Policy research program on urbanization in developing countries

The purpose of this project is to study urbanization globally and in Africa in particular. The focus is on 1) the evolution of urbanization and systems of cities and 2) within-city development especially in Africa to make more "livable and productive cities." The policy focus is on the role of transport infrastructure, land market regulations and institutions, and institutions more generally. The project involves substantial use of satellite data to track the physical development of 55 cities in Africa.