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About the Blog & Author
Planning Insight Africa focuses on Africa in the sweeping wave of rapid urbanization and development. It recognizes the unique position held by the continent in the global dynamic and seeks to explore best practice solutions to achieve a sustainable future.

Judith Achieng' is an Urban/Regional Planner and researcher on urban development. She has several years of work experience in the private sector and with international organizations, including the United Nations, specializing in sustainable development and community mobilization. Her passions are sustainability, culture, arts, religion and philanthropy. She is a member of the Swedish Institute Network of Future Global Leaders and doctoral fellow at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH).

 Contribution by others
The Blog welcomes contributions and partnership from individuals and organizations with the heart for sustainable development.

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Popular posts from this blog

Nairobi's Skyline: A Tale of Two Perspectives in Urban Planning

  The allure of Nairobi’s skyline Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is renowned for its stunning skyline, a symbol of growth, prosperity, and modernization. It's skyline is a testament to its rapid growth and economic dynamism. Iconic buildings such as the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), the Times Tower, and the new Britam Tower dominate the horizon, symbolizing the city's role as a regional hub for business and commerce. The city’s skyline is often highlighted in promotional materials, showcasing Nairobi as a modern metropolis with immense potential. This view is further complemented by the backdrop of Nairobi National Park, creating a unique juxtaposition of urban and natural landscapes that is rare among world cities. When viewed from a distance, the cityscape presents a breathtaking panorama of towering skyscrapers, contemporary architectural marvels, and a seamless blend of historical and modern structures. However, this captivating view belies a stark c...
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The Cost of Excluding Women: How African countries are limiting their growth

In many African countries, women remain underrepresented in decision-making processes, whether in government, business, community or family leadership. This exclusion is not just a question of equity; it has profound implications for the continent's economic, social, and political development. In contrast, countries with high levels of female participation in decision-making consistently show higher levels of economic growth, improved social outcomes, and more inclusive governance. By failing to fully integrate women into leadership roles, African nations are, in essence, leaving a significant portion of their potential untapped. Economic and social costs of exclusion The exclusion of women from decision-making roles in Africa has measurable economic and social costs. According to a 2021 World Bank report, gender inequality in sub-Saharan Africa results in a $95 billion productivity loss annually. Countries that fail to invest in gender-inclusive policies miss out on the economic b...
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Building the resilience of cities to climate change

Several measures and approaches are being explored to build cities’ and community climate resilience. Examples are adaptive social protection (ASP), green and blue infrastructure investments, conservation of natural areas, managed urban agriculture, deep decarbonisation, and built environment innovations. Adaptive social protection is defined as “a resilience-building approach that combines elements of social protection, disaster risk reduction, and adaptation to climate change to break the cycle of poverty and insecurity of communities by investing in their ability to prepare for, cope with, and adapt to all types of shocks,” including those brought on by climate change and other global challenges.   Cultural and heritage resilience Cultural heritage and resource management have become even more challenging as a result of climate change.  Recent research has focussed on built cultural heritage at risk from climate change events, including decay or even total loss generat...
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