URBAN RESEARCH AND URBAN RESEARCHERS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Given the rapid growth of cities in the developing world, and their po litical importance - particularly during this period of structural adj ustment - it is surprising that the writings of urban researchers have not had more impact on the policies of development agencies. To under stand the dynamics of research in Africa, Asia and Latin America, this article summarizes major findings in a large comparative project invo lving researchers in some fifty countries. Their production and the li mitations on their work are discussed in terms of levels of production , major disciplines, the dispersion of research activity, and the new modalities (such as NGOs and international agencies) which are increas ingly involved in urban research. The article concludes that urban res earchers are becoming increasingly more central to local policy-making as the policy community broadens and their work responds more effecti vely to local needs.