Sustainability in Developing Cities of Africa - A Study of Ibadan City, NIGERIA
Sustainability in Developing Cities of Africa - A Study of Ibadan City, NIGERIA
Sustainability in Developing Cities of Africa - A Study of Ibadan City, NIGERIA
Abstract
This article explores the concept of sustainability in the context of developing cities in Africa, with a focus on
Ibadan, Nigeria. As a rapidly growing city facing a range of environmental, social, and economic challenges,
Ibadan provides a valuable case study for understanding the complex dynamics of sustainable urban development
in Africa. The article begins by providing an overview of the concept of sustainability, highlighting its importance
in addressing the pressing global challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and inequality. It then
examines the specific challenges facing developing cities in Africa, including urbanization, poverty, and
environmental degradation. The article goes on to explore the case of Ibadan, examining its history, current
development patterns, and potential for sustainable growth. Through a review of existing literature and empirical
data, the article highlights the ways in which Ibadan is grappling with issues such as slum development,
inadequate infrastructure, and poor waste management. Finally, the article considers potential strategies for
promoting sustainable development in Ibadan and other developing cities in Africa. These include measures such
as promoting sustainable transportation, improving access to basic services, and engaging local communities in
the planning and implementation of development projects. Overall, the article argues that while the challenges
facing developing cities in Africa are significant, there is also significant potential for sustainable development
through creative and innovative approaches to urban planning and management.
Keywords: Sustainability, Developing Cities, Urbanisation, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Date of Submission: 01-05-2023 Date of acceptance: 10-05-2023
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I. INTRODUCTION
Sustainability is a crucial issue for developing cities in Africa, and Ibadan, as one of the largest cities in Nigeria,
is no exception. To better understand sustainability in Ibadan, researchers need to examine various aspects of
development in the city, including economic, social, and environmental factors.
Ibadan is facing a range of environmental challenges including air pollution, water pollution, and
deforestation. To improve environmental sustainability, it is important to promote sustainable land use practices,
such as afforestation and sustainable agriculture (Olowoyeye, 2021). To minimize emissions of greenhouse gases
and lessen the effects of climate change, the government may additionally invest in sources of clean energy and
encourage efficient use of energy.
In summary, resolving financial, environmental, and social problems is key to encouraging equitable
growth. Sustainability is a critical concern for developing cities like Ibadan. To encourage environmentally
friendly growth in Ibadan and other African cities that are still in the emerging stage, the government, corporate
sector, and civil society must collaborate.
2.1.1 Infrastructure Situation in Ibadan: Ibadan suffers from a lack of basic infrastructure,
such as good road networks, reliable electricity supply, and clean water supply. This
makes it difficult for businesses to operate efficiently and for the city to attract new
investments.
The Southwestern Nigerian state of Oyo has Ibadan as its capital city. With a population of more than three
million, it is the third-largest metropolis in Nigeria and one of the most populous cities in Africa.
Like many cities in Nigeria, Ibadan faces significant challenges with its infrastructure. The city's road network is
inadequate, with many of its roads in a state of disrepair. Traffic congestion is a significant problem, and the
transportation system in Ibadan is often unreliable.
The water supply in Ibadan is also a concern. Water shortages are frequent, and many locals lack access to potable,
safe water to consume. The city's electricity supply is also unreliable, with frequent power outages.
In recent years, the private sector and government have made efforts to develop the infrastructure in Ibadan.
Several road construction and rehabilitation projects have been undertaken, and plans are in place to improve the
transportation system in the city.
The government has also initiated efforts to improve the water supply and electricity infrastructure in the city.
However, these efforts are still in progress, and the infrastructure situation in Ibadan remains a significant
challenge. Figure 4 shows Data about safe, drinking water in Ibadan indicating very low population of users.
There have been some efforts to address the unemployment situation in Ibadan. The government of Oyo
State has implemented various programs aimed at creating job opportunities for young people, such as skills
acquisition and entrepreneurship training programs. However, these programs have had limited success, and the
unemployment situation in Ibadan remains a significant challenge.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the unemployment situation in Nigeria, including Ibadan,
with many businesses struggling to survive and laying off workers (Statista, 2021). However, with the gradual
opening of the economy and vaccine rollout, there are hopes for improved employment opportunities in the future.
2.3 Informal Economy in Ibadan: A significant portion of Ibadan's economy is informal, which means that
many businesses operate outside the formal regulatory framework. This limits the potential for taxation and
revenue generation and makes it difficult to accurately track the city's economic activities.
The informal economy refers to economic activities that are not regulated or recognized by the government and
are not captured in official statistics.
In Ibadan, the informal economy includes activities such as street vending, small-scale trading, and
artisanal work (Etim & Daramola, 2020). Many people who work in the informal economy have limited education
and skills, and they may lack access to formal employment opportunities.
2.4 Poor Governance and Corruption in Ibadan: Corruption and poor governance in Ibadan can
discourage foreign investment and harm the city's reputation as a reliable and transparent business destination.
Ibadan, Nigeria, faces serious issues with poor administration and mismanagement, which have an adverse effect
on the growth of the metropolis and the well-being of its citizens. Corruption is pervasive in Nigeria, and Ibadan
is no exception.
Bribery, misappropriation of funds from the government, and the abuse of authority by public servants
are just a few of the ways corrupt behaviour emerges. It weakens the rule of law, impedes the growth of the
economy, and erodes confidence among citizens in governmental entities by inhibiting investments.
Poor governance is also a significant challenge in Ibadan. Government institutions, including the
judiciary and law enforcement agencies, are often ineffective and inefficient (Ogunkan, 2022). This can lead to a
lack of accountability and transparency, which can exacerbate corruption and limit public access to services.
The impact of poor governance and corruption in Ibadan is evident in various areas. For example, the
city's infrastructure is inadequate, with poor road networks, unreliable water supply, and electricity, and
inadequate health and education systems (PAGE & WANDO, 2022). These problems are often compounded by
corruption and poor governance, as resources that should be allocated for public infrastructure and services are
mismanaged or embezzled.
Efforts have been made to address the problem of poor governance and corruption in Ibadan, among
other ways, by creating organisations to combat corruption and making an attempt to enhance transparency and
executive authority. However, progress has been slow, and corruption remains a significant challenge in the city.
To address these challenges, the government can take several steps to promote economic sustainability
in Ibadan. These include:
2.4.2 Promoting SMEs in Ibadan: Government agencies may help businesses that are small or medium-sized
by fostering a framework that makes it easier for them to take advantage of resources including funding, education,
and training.
With regard to Ibadan's economy growing, the growth of SMEs must be encouraged. SMEs are the underpinning
of many global economies across worldwide and play a vital part in creating employment, boosting the economy,
and eliminating of impoverished communities (WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, 2022). To promote SMEs in
Ibadan, the government and other stakeholders can implement various initiatives, including:
a) Providing Access to Finance: SMEs often face challenges accessing financing, which can limit their
growth potential. The government can partner with financial institutions to provide affordable and accessible loans
to SMEs.
b) Making the Starting and Registration Process for a Business Simpler: Reducing bureaucratic barriers
and minimising the complexity involved in establishing and incorporating an enterprise can encourage more
people to start SMEs.
c) Providing Training and Capacity Building: Many SMEs lack the skills and knowledge needed to
operate and grow their businesses. Providing training and capacity-building programs can help SME owners
acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
d) Promoting Market Access: SMEs often struggle to find markets for their products and services. The
government can facilitate access to markets, both domestically and internationally, by providing information on
market opportunities and supporting SMEs to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions.
e) Supporting Innovation: Innovation is essential for the growth and competitiveness of SMEs. The
government can provide support for research and development activities and facilitate collaborations between
SMEs and research institutions.
f) Encouraging Partnerships: Partnerships between SMEs and larger companies can provide SMEs with
access to resources, technology, and expertise, which can help them to grow and become more competitive.
In conclusion, promoting SMEs in Ibadan is crucial for the city's economic development. By providing access to
finance, streamlining the procedure for establishing and incorporating a company, providing training and capacity
building, promoting market access, supporting innovation, and encouraging partnerships, the government, and
other stakeholders can create a more conducive environment for SMEs to thrive.
In conclusion, encouraging the formalisation of the economy in Ibadan is crucial for promoting economic growth
and reducing poverty. By simplifying the regulatory framework, providing incentives, increasing access to
information, improving access to finance, strengthening institutions, and promoting entrepreneurship, the
government and other stakeholders can create a more conducive environment for businesses to formalize their
operations.
2.6 Tackling Corruption in Ibadan
By enacting laws that encourage openness and accountability in governmental organisations, the authorities may
enhance oversight and combat graft. Tackling corruption in Ibadan is essential for the city's development and the
well-being of its citizens (Feyisipo, 2022). Corruption undermines economic growth, erodes public trust in
government institutions, and perpetuates poverty and inequality. To tackle corruption in Ibadan, the government
and other stakeholders can implement various initiatives, including:
1. Strengthening Anti-Corruption Institutions: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are two agencies the
government can enhance to combat unethical behaviour by providing adequate funding and resources and ensuring
their independence.
2. Increasing Transparency and Accountability: Transparency and accountability are critical for
preventing corruption (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 2020). The government can
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Sustainability in Developing Cities of Africa - A Study of Ibadan
promote transparency and accountability by publishing information on government activities and expenditures
and ensuring that public servants become responsible for the actions they take.
3. Public Education: Public awareness campaigns about the risks of illicit activity as well as the value of
openness and accountability can help to create a culture that does not tolerate corruption.
4. Simplifying Bureaucratic Processes: Complex and cumbersome bureaucratic processes can create
opportunities for corruption. The government can simplify bureaucratic processes and reduce red tape to minimize
the opportunities for corruption.
5. Encouraging Citizen Participation: Citizen participation can help to hold public officials accountable
and reduce the opportunities for corruption. The government can encourage citizen participation by providing
opportunities for feedback and engagement and promoting citizen-led monitoring of government activities.
6. Punishing Corrupt Officials: Punishing corrupt officials sends a strong message that corruption will
not be tolerated. The government can ensure that corrupt officials are prosecuted and punished in accordance with
the law.
In conclusion, the elimination of corrupt behaviour in Ibadan is essential for fostering growth in the economy and
lowering income disparity, as well as ensuring public trust in government institutions. By strengthening anti-
corruption institutions, increasing transparency and accountability, educating the public, simplifying bureaucratic
processes, encouraging citizen participation, and punishing corrupt officials, the government and other
stakeholders can create a more transparent and accountable environment that discourages corruption.
In summary, promoting economic sustainability in Ibadan will need to be addressed together by the public,
business, and non-profit sectors to address the city's economic challenges and build a more inclusive and
prosperous economy.
4.6 Promoting Waste Management: The government can invest in waste management infrastructure such
as waste collection and recycling facilities to reduce littering and improve waste disposal practices.
Promoting proper waste management in Ibadan is crucial to address the problem of environmental pollution,
promoting public health, and creating a clean and sustainable environment. Here are some strategies that can be
employed to promote waste management in Ibadan:
a. Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about proper waste management practices and
their importance is essential. The city can use various channels, such as media campaigns, educational programs,
and community outreach programs, to educate the public.
b. Waste Collection and Segregation: Improving waste collection and segregation systems is crucial. The
city can invest in modern waste collection equipment, set up waste transfer stations, and encourage waste
segregation at the household level.
c. Recycling and Composting: To lessen the total quantity of solid waste that fills garbage dumps,
composting and recycling must be promoted. The city can set up recycling and composting facilities, offer
incentives for waste reduction, and promote the use of recycled materials.
d. Regulation and Enforcement: Establishing regulations and enforcing them is crucial to ensure that
waste management practices are followed. The city can establish laws on proper waste disposal, set up penalties
for non-compliance, and create a regulatory agency to enforce the laws.
e. Public-Private Partnerships: Effective methods for handling waste are capable of being promoted with
the support of public-private professional cooperation. The city can work with waste management companies to
set up waste management infrastructure, provide funding for waste management projects, and create job
opportunities in the waste management sector.
In summary, promoting proper waste management in Ibadan demands cooperation amongst the general public,
the business community, and government agencies. Educating the public, improving waste collection and
segregation systems, encouraging recycling and composting, establishing regulations and enforcement, and
creating public-private partnerships are some of the strategies that can be employed to promote proper waste
management practices in the city.
4.7 Protecting Water Bodies: The government can promote the protection of water bodies by improving
sanitation systems and regulating waste disposal practices.
Protecting water bodies in Ibadan is essential to promote public health, ensure a sustainable environment, and
preserve the ecosystem. Here are some strategies that can be employed to protect water bodies in Ibadan:
i. Regulation and Enforcement: The city can establish laws and regulations to protect water bodies and
enforce them through a regulatory agency. This can include measures such as restrictions on wastewater discharge
and penalties for non-compliance.
ii. Waste Management: Proper waste management practices can help prevent water pollution. The city can
improve waste collection and segregation systems, establish recycling and composting facilities, and promote the
use of eco-friendly products.
iii. Watershed Protection: The city can establish buffer zones around water bodies, protect wetlands, and
promote reforestation to protect watersheds. This can help prevent soil erosion, reduce nutrient runoff, and
maintain the water quality of the water bodies.
iv. Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of protecting water bodies
is crucial. The city can use various channels such as media campaigns, educational programs, and community
outreach programs to educate the public.
v. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the public and private sector can help protect water
bodies. The city can work with industries to reduce their environmental impact, provide funding for water
protection projects, and create job opportunities in the water management sector.
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Sustainability in Developing Cities of Africa - A Study of Ibadan
In conclusion, protecting water bodies in Ibadan calls for an integrated approach by the general populace, the
business community, and government agencies. Establishing regulations and enforcement, improving waste
management practices, protecting watersheds, raising public awareness, and creating public-private partnerships
are some of the strategies that can be employed to protect water bodies in the city. By protecting water bodies,
Ibadan can ensure a sustainable environment and preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
4.8 Supporting Reforestation in Ibadan: The government can support reforestation efforts by planting
trees in urban areas and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Reforestation is essential to address the issue of deforestation in Ibadan, promote environmental sustainability,
and mitigate the effects of climate change. Here are some strategies that can be employed to support reforestation
in Ibadan:
a. Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of reforestation is crucial.
The city can use various channels such as media campaigns, educational programs, and community outreach
programs to educate the public.
b. Community Participation: Engaging local communities in reforestation projects can promote
ownership and sustainability. Residents may be included in the preparation and implementation of forestry
endeavours by the municipality, provide training and support, and create job opportunities in the forestry sector.
c. Forest Management: Proper forest management practices can help promote reforestation. The city can
establish protected areas, promote sustainable forest management practices, and enforce laws and regulations to
prevent illegal logging and land use change.
d. Public-Private Partnerships: Both the private and public sectors working together could help in efforts
to regenerate forests. The city can work with businesses to promote sustainable practices, provide funding for
reforestation projects, and create job opportunities in the forestry sector.
e. Tree Planting Campaigns: Organizing tree planting campaigns is an effective way to promote
reforestation. The city can work with schools, local organizations, and businesses to organize tree-planting events,
distribute seedlings, and promote the importance of planting trees.
In conclusion, supporting reforestation in Members of the public, the business community, and government
agencies must work together to improve Ibadan. Raising public awareness, engaging local communities,
promoting sustainable forest management practices, creating public-private partnerships, and organizing tree
planting campaigns are some of the strategies that can be employed to support reforestation in the city. By
supporting reforestation, Ibadan can promote environmental sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate
change.
4.9 Educating the Public in Ibadan: The government can educate the public on environmental issues and
promote sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption.
Education is a crucial aspect of promoting sustainable development in Ibadan. Here are some strategies that can
be employed to educate the public in Ibadan:
i. School Curriculum: The city can incorporate environmental education into the school curriculum. This
can include teaching students about sustainability, climate change, waste management, water conservation, and
other relevant topics.
ii. Community Outreach: Engaging local communities is essential to promote awareness and
understanding of sustainable development. The city can organize community outreach programs to educate the
public on relevant topics, such as energy conservation, waste management, and water conservation.
iii. Media Campaigns: The city can use various channels such as radio, television, and social media to
promote sustainable development. This can include public service announcements, documentaries, and
educational programs.
iv. Workshops and Training Programs: The city can organize workshops and training programs for
various groups such as farmers, traders, and other professionals to promote sustainable practices in their respective
fields.
v. Public-Private Partnerships: Development that is sustainable can be aided through public-private
sectors cooperation. The city can work with businesses to promote sustainable practices, provide funding for
sustainable development projects, and create job opportunities in the sustainable development sector.
V. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, educating the public in Ibadan requires a joint initiative of the general public, the business
community, and the government at large. Incorporating environmental education into the school curriculum,
engaging local communities, using media campaigns, organizing workshops and training programs, and creating
public-private partnerships are some of the strategies that can be employed to educate the public on sustainable
development in the city. By promoting education on sustainable development, Ibadan can ensure a sustainable
future for generations to come.
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