How Civic Action Shapes Cities and What to Avoid When Building Megacities From Scratch | Dafe Oputu

The built environment is a reflection of political decisions. The officials you elect shape the environment around you. So, what happens if people don’t participate in the voting process?In this episode, we delve into the critical intersection of civic action and urban development with our insightful guest, Dafe Oputu. We’ll explore the urban landscapes of Accra, Ghana; Cotonou, Benin; and Lagos, Nigeria, examining how trust and accountability in municipal governance shape these cities. We’ll discuss different cities' strategies to encourage public participation and civic action, and why voting is crucial for building better cities. Together we also unpack Africa's obsession with megacities, like Akon City and Eko Atlantic (and how to avoid creating ghost cities).Guest: Dafe OputuAcknowledgements:This episode is co-sponsored by the University of Toronto School of Cities and the Department of Geography and Planning. About Urban Limitrophe:Please visit www.urbanlimitrophe.com for all episode show notes, references and guest details. To access social media, newsletter, and additional projects visit: https://linktr.ee/urbanlimitrophePlease address any related communication to hello[at]urbanlimitrophe.com Credits: Music by Imany LambropoulosPodcast concept, development, and design by Alexandra Lambropoulos