Tab Article

Can African cities truly drive sustainable development, or will rapid urbanization drown them in crisis? What can Ibadan — one of the largest cities in Africa — teach us about the past, present, and future of urban resilience? How can indigenous knowledge be fused with global frameworks to transform “sick cities” into models of sustainability? And what practical lessons from Ibadan can reshape the destiny of Nigeria, Africa, and the Global South? Sustainable Development in an African City – Ibadan: Yesterday, Today and the Future is an authoritative, data-driven, and insightful historical study of the relationship between urban environmental sustainability and development in Africa’s fast-growing cities. Written by Dr Soji Oyeranmi,, the book blends primary research, archival evidence, and critical analysis to show that sustainability strategies are indispensable (a sine qua non) for Africa’s future. What you will discover: The environmental history of Ibadan, from pre-colonial to post-colonial eras The lasting effects of colonial policies, waste mismanagement, and poor planning Why many African cities are described as “sick cities” plagued by poverty, slums, and inadequate infrastructure How indigenous Yoruba urbanism and cultural practices can inform modern solutions The promise of global approaches like the Urban Ecosystem Model and the UN’s Whole Society Approach A roadmap to transform Ibadan into a resilient, globally competitive, and sustainable city Why This Book Matters This study demonstrates that cities are not just settlements—they are the drivers of sustainable development, holding the keys to: Social equality, Cultural vitality, Economic prosperity, Environmental regeneration Yet, these potentials remain constrained by weak policies and poor management. The book argues that the fusion of indigenous wisdom with global sustainability frameworks offers the most practical pathway to regeneration and resilience, not only for Ibadan but also for other Nigerian, African, and Global South cities. Who Should Read This Book? Urban planners, policymakers, and environmental leaders seeking actionable strategies Students, scholars, and general readers of environmental history, sustainable development, social sciences, and urban studies;anyone interested in the future of African cities and global sustainability If you want to understand how history, culture, and policy can shape sustainable cities, and if you care about the future of Africa’s urban spaces, this book is for you. Order your copy today and join the movement to build resilient, sustainable, and competitive African cities for tomorrow