Toward Sustainable Urban Health Practices in African Cities

Posted on 2024-10-31

The African Cities Journal is excited to announce a call for submissions for a special issue focusing on environmental determinants of health and well-being in African cities. With the fastest urbanization rates in the world, African countries face significant challenges in expanding basic infrastructures and services at the same pace as human settlements. This situates African cities as major players in present urban health and “spatial justice” discussions, as the health and well-being of African urbanites are deeply impacted by their place of residence.

In our commitment to fostering a multi- and trans-disciplinary approach to urban planning, we seek contributions that delve into various aspects of the intersection between urban planning and public health, bridging the gap between research and practical solutions. We welcome original research, commentaries, and reviews translating scientific evidence into practical recommendations to address the following challenges in the African context:

  • Climate change and its health and urban planning implications: assess how vulnerabilities to climate change vary geographically, proposing adaptive strategies for climate resilience and preparedness;
  • Applications of emerging technologies to urban health: showcase innovative tools and methods to address information gaps relevant to public health (e.g., measures of urban health risks and health outcomes), facilitating data-driven decision-making in urban planning;
  • Sustainable urban design and planning practices (case studies): showcase urban governance approaches, design and/or urban planning experiences that develop and consolidate inclusive, health-conscious decision-making processes.

We particularly encourage contributions in either of the main topics above that focus on under-researched population groups (e.g., displaced populations, homeless populations, older persons, youth, or LGBTQIA+).

Keywords

African cities; Equitable urbanization; Social inclusion; Sustainable development; Urban health; Urban planning.

 Key dates
  • Submission deadline: April 30, 2025
  • Date of first notification: approximately two days after submission
  • Peer-review notification date: approximately one month after submission
  • Publication date: immediately after acceptance and copyediting.

 

Why Contribute?

Contributing to this special issue will help advance evidence-based recommendations for improving health and well-being in African cities. Moreover, this is an opportunity to connect with a growing community of researchers and practitioners committed to addressing these challenges.

 

Guest Editors

Antoine De Padoue NSEGBE

Stéphane TEKOUABOU