Issue/Policy Brief

Analytical Brief on Barriers to Women’s Economic Empowerment in East Africa

This Analytical brief assesses the financial, educational, and legal barriers that prevent women in East Africa from fully participating and thriving in their economic spheres. Read More

Urban Development Timeline

Rapid urbanization is one of the most important demographic trends of this century. USAID’s success in achieving our core development objectives—eliminating extreme poverty, reducing hunger, improving health, addressing climate change, and fostering democratic, resilient societies— will greatly depend on how we respond to urbanization. Urbanization creates challenges, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities prosperity. Read More

Reaching the Urban Poor and Middle Class in Kenya with Quality Care

A brief summary of research in Kenya that addresses the challenge of providing high quality, affordable care to the urban poor. Read More

Land Tenure in Urban Environments

The pace of urbanization and the number of people living in urban settings has increased exponentially over the course of the past century, with more than half of the world’s population now living in urban areas. Read More

Urban Agriculture and a Planning Approach to Urban Food Systems

This paper discusses ways to support city food systems in the context of rapidly changing social, physical and ecological environments so that urban and peri-urban populations maintain and improve access to safe and nutritious food. Read More

URBAN OPPORTUNITIES: Perspectives on Climate Change, Resilience, Inclusion, and the Informal Economy

To encourage a new generation of urban scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, and to disseminate their innovative ideas, the Wilson Center’s Urban Sustainability Laboratory, together with Cities Alliance, the International Housing Coalition, USAID, and the World Bank, sponsors an annual paper competition for advanced graduate students working on issues related to urban poverty. Read More

USAID Programs Supporting Climate-Smart Cities

This document provides information on USAID funded programs that support climate-smart cities. USAID partners with local governments to support energy efficiency, improve urban planning, enable access to climate information and unlock financing. Read More

Financing Urban Adaptation and Resilience Examples and Experiences

The 8th Exchange on “Financing Urban Adaptation and Resilience” was raised by Dr. Peter King on 16 June 2015 to engage the APAN climate change adaptation community in Asia and the Pacific. The Exchange period lasted approximately 2 weeks. Read More

Sustainable Service Delivery in an Increasingly Urbanized World

USAID’s Sustainable Urban Services Policy (Policy) provides guidelines to help countries and communities improve the delivery of essential services in urban areas. Read More