The Impact of Land Tenure Systems on Informal Urban Development in African Cities

A Case Study of Nairobi, Lusaka and Dakar

Abstract

To understand the process of informal urban development in African cities, this paper examines the relationship between land tenure systems and the spatial distribution of informal settlements in Nairobi, Lusaka and Dakar comparatively. It reviews the impact of land title system, customary tenure system and land tenure regularization on the informal urban development in these cities. It was found out that multiple land tenure systems enable urban residents, especially low-income people, to obtain access to land for housing. To promote sustainable urban development by providing sufficient and affordable housing, it is important to maintain and coordinate this pluralistic land tenure system.