Population Dynamics and Urbanization (PDU)

RESEARCH

RESEARCH // WHAT WE DO // Population Dynamics and Urbanization (PDU)

Population Dynamics and Urbanization (PDU)

Population Dynamics and Urbanization (PDU) generates empirical insights into critical areas of migration, urbanization and development, environmental sustainability, aging, and fertility determinants. Our research endeavors aim to advance understanding of significant population trends in Africa, their ecological interactions, and the implications of climate change for sustainable development.

 

OVERVIEW

Our critical areas of work broadly include:

Aging and Development: We investigate the dynamics of population aging in Africa, analyzing its impact on well-being, life-course trajectories, transitions to long-term care, and access to essential services for older populations. Our focus extends to adapting societal structures to accommodate demographic shifts, promoting age-friendly environments, and enhancing the socio-economic support systems vital for older populations.

Urbanization and Sustainability: PDU explores the broader issues of migration and urbanization in Africa and their implications for developing sustainable and resilient cities. We particularly focus on the growth of informal settlements within Africa’s rapid urbanization context, seeking to generate robust evidence on social determinants of health and well-being to inform policy and action towards addressing unique challenges of slum dwellers, transcending urban poverty to foster inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Fertility: Our research emphasizes understanding fertility determinants in Africa, probing why fertility rates remain persistently high in specific contexts, identifying factors contributing to stalled fertility declines, and investigating rapid declines among specific demographic groups.