Economic Recovery in Post-Conflict Cities: the Role of the Urban Informal Economy
In the wake of political upheaval or violence, many cities struggle with poverty and weak governance. As a result, livelihoods and basic services are often in a state of collapse, meaning the informal economy (IE) is more important than ever as a coping strategy. However, its pivotal role in post-conflict recovery has generally been overlooked, both by local governments and the international community. Economic Recovery in Post-Conflict Cities: the Role of the Urban Informal Economy therefore examines the potential benefits of the informal sector in strengthening stability and reconciliation.
Focusing on five case study cities – Cairo, Hargeisa, Karachi, Kathmandu and Monrovia, each confronting different challenges relating to conflict over economic, social and institutional control – the project will engage a range of local, national and international actors to research the contribution of IT in these diverse settings. The findings will help policy makers, urban communities and development practitioners to integrate IE more effectively into their programmes.
Alison Brown (Principal Investigator, Professor of Urban Planning and International Development)
Peter Mackie (Senior Lecturer)
Dissemination of findings to UN-Habitat, local government associations and other partners through collaborative meetings, workshops and seminars.
Series of conference presentations, including at the biennial Commonwealth and Local Government Forum.
Engagement of a wide range of stakeholders through academic papers, country reports and a joint publication with UN-Habitat.