A Method for Resourcing Sustainable Cities in Rwanda Through Informal Settlement Upgrading

Meeting targets under SDG 11 depends on qualitative improvements implemented through planning and design processes. In many less developed countries (LDCs), the upgrading of informal settlements has potential to make significant gains towards SDG 11, but the allocation of limited resources must be targeted appropriately. This paper presents an empirical method for determining the prioritization of settlements for upgrading as part of a national informal upgrading policy in Rwanda. The study constructs an assessment model considering national policies, urban resilience strategies, and progress towards SDG 11 using data that is publicly available or analysable through GIS applications. It proposes that the ease of use of the model and alignment with larger development strategies allows for prioritization of specific settlements for resourcing, highlighting areas of concern from which implementable projects may be developed. Similar models may be applicable to other sub-Saharan African countries and/or other urban upgrading efforts in LDCs.