Towards a Smart-cultural Peri-urban Community

2020

English

The world is becoming more urbanised with over 60% of the total population forecast to live in cities by 2050. This comes with complex challenges in the efficient management of cities. Also, peri-urban landscapes, that transition between cities and rural areas, have become focal points for interventions to make these zones resilient and sustainable. Countries in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) are struggling to effectively mitigate the effects in the context of UN Agenda 2030 of sustainable development goals. For example, Ghana is experiencing rapid urbanisation in major towns such as Kyebi, the capital of the Akyem Abuakwa State, due to factors such as decentralisation, developmental projects, industrialisation, and democracy. Kyebi is developing into a city because of its strategic location, history, and the recent mining of its rich mineral deposits1. To develop Kyebi successfully, a concerted effort has been undertaken to develop a holistic master plan that would make the future community smart, resilient and sustainable. The plan studies sought to unearth the potential of the Kyebi community and propose alternative physical and structural plans for the peri urban landscape. A mixed method approach was adopted for the study. First a comprehensive literature study on cultural, resilience and smart city concepts was accomplished. Then a two week survey was conducted in Kyebi and its surroundings. The data collated formed the basis of creating scenarios for future development. The study revealed three key catalysts for future development: 1. The unique cultural history of the city; 2. The enormous gold and bauxite deposits; and, 3. the potential for industrialisation and human capital development. The study recommended that Kyebi be developed into a smart cultural city.

Marful, A. B.; Danquah, J. A.