STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS AND THE CITY IN TROPICAL AFRICA

Following a preface which indicates the alteration in the forces shapi ng the African city, it is indicated how the conditionalities imposed by structural adjustment programmes initially relate to the national e conomy, However, they also result in a second round of impacts which, in effect, reshape the city, These operate primarily with the removal of the operation of 'urban bias'; they are reflected in reduced urban growth rates and a mounting informal sector as the overall economy cha nges and the nature of industry is revised. Meanwhile, underdevelopmen t occurs as the quality of life declines, inequality mounts and the fo od supply experiences difficulty, At the same time, money and people d epart, It is concluded that such programmes are but reflections of the operation of the global economy.