Cities of Sub-Saharan Africa: Failed or Ordinary Cities?

This chapter outlines the theoretical and methodological framework that guided the research process. It presents a critical review of the main theoretical references, including post-colonial, informality, and vulnerability studies, and lays out the arguments and reflections that led to the formulation of the research question. Inadequate interpretive and planning approaches are defined as being caused by ‘asymmetrical ignorance’, and the basic content of alternative approaches is identified, particularly the ‘people as infrastructure’ approach. In order to explore the limits of asymmetrical ignorance, the study focuses on the interaction between urban development and environmental change in peri-urban areas of the sub-Saharan city by investigating households’ environmental management practices. This knowledge is essential not only to shed light on the development and environmental management dynamics in peri-urban areas and the interdependence thereof with urban areas, but also to define the necessary conditions for effective adaptation to environmental change.