Contribution à la redefinition de la notion de ville au Togo

This paper questions the adequacy of public policies to the realities of African countries. Focusing specifically on urbanization, in the case of Togo, it raises the issue of the relevance of city as defined by public policies. The city being a complex object, its definition is the source of an abundant dialectic. However, it is necessary to start from a relevant definition of the notion of city, in order to appreciate properly urban dynamics toward the country and to be able to anticipate its effects on development. The approach adopted for the development of this research is based on the confrontation of policies and practices with the realities and dynamics in perspective. It is based on three stages, which are the review of the approaches practiced and their contradictions, the examination of the process of urbanization and its consequences, and the consideration of future perspectives and dynamics. The definition of the notion of city taking into account the dynamics experienced and in perspective, and the classification of agglomerations that can effectively guide public policies are the main lessons of this work which aims to conciliate public policies with urban and territorial dynamics.