Strategies and Tools for Risk-Informed Urban Land Management

The session explored strategies and tools for urban land management that are risk-informed, addressing challenges of uneven urban development, inadequate land tenure security, climate change, and disaster risks. Emphasizing the interplay between the natural and built environments, the discussion highlighted how effective land use planning can promote social inclusion, strengthen institutions, improve access to land, facilitate affordable housing, and mitigate risks from natural hazards. The complexities of urban land management in Sub-Saharan Africa were central to the dialogue, particularly where statutory and customary systems are at odds, and local governments face constraints due to limited land registration data and high registration costs. Case studies from Angola, Nigeria, and Tanzania illustrated diverse urban contexts and the need for risk-informed land management practices. Discussions included Tanzania's innovative use of the World Settlement Footprint Tracker for informed urban development, Nigeria's approach to urban growth challenges under conditions of informality, and Angola’s efforts to enhance urban land rights and regularize land for affordable housing. The forthcoming World Bank Guidance Note on Risk-Informed Land Use Planning was also introduced, offering practical guidance for integrating climate and disaster risk considerations into urban planning frameworks. The session underscored the importance of land reform to support affordable housing development and the critical role of adaptive planning in fostering resilient urban environments. Participants left with a clearer understanding of the value of comprehensive urban planning tools in navigating the complexities of rapid urbanization and promoting sustainable development.


This resource has been made available by the organizers of the World Bank Land Conference under the following disclaimer.