The global aim of this research is to postulate a spatial development paradigm for regional
integration in developing countries - more specifically, the research prospects to conceptualize
form-based spatial planning theory for Africa. This was considered necessary on two grounds:
first, the need for spatial regional integration as panacea for economic growth, and second the
resilience of formal planning in the context of a neo-liberal paradigm shift in planning for
economic growth. The research in essence strives to reconsider formal planning in an attempt
to articulate an appropriate planning paradigm for the delivery of spatial regional integration
within spatial systems in developing economies.
In view of the foregoing the resilience of form-based planning paradigm informs the research.
Hence the research sets out with the null hypothesis that form-based planning attributes are not
significantly resilient in the perception of planning initiatives in the African context. The research
methodology involved a relevant literature survey vis-à-vis theoretical and analytical frameworks
as well as desktop case studies of selected country profiles and planning initiatives and then an
empirical case study of integrated development planning (IDP) initiatives in South Africa.
Following six sets of analysis, the research established compliance with a neo-liberal planning
paradigm in Africa; however, it disproved the null hypothesis. The neo-liberal planning initiatives
were found to be unable to deliver integrated development. Thus a change in development
ideology to neo-mercantilism is recommended as a strategic move to redirect attention from
private profitability to nation-building vis-à-vis spatial integration. Neo-mercantilism is therefore
deployed as thinking instrument for a neo-mercantile planning paradigm postulated to deliver
spatial regional integration in developing economies.
The neo-mercantile planning paradigm which seeks spatio-physical bases of integration adopts
integrated planning operationalized with spatial integration plans (SIPs) and thematic integration
plans (TIPs) instruments. These instruments are designed to establish spatial integration
networks. The networking of the spatial systems requires the grading of infrastructure and the
classification of cities. While administrative criteria are used to determine the former, the latter is
proposed to be conducted with a “Time-efficient” coefficient, an innovative unit with which
“Time-efficient effect” of cities as centres of commerce can be measured. This coefficient
contributes to the growth of regional development theories from a spatio-physical perspective.
Furthermore, the research contributes a neo-mercantile spatial model for urban region
development.
The modality of applying the new paradigm in Africa is modelled to integrate the status quo
given requisite visionary mind-set and abundant political will. The model adopts the sequence of
securing a neo-mercantile planning paradigm, followed by the identification of priority problems,
the articulation of a vision statement and then objectives set to achieve spatial regional
integration. Present actions were assessed and new action cards proposed, based on priorities
for action drawn from priority problems in Africa. The proposed action cards were regrouped into
a typology of actions to aid implementation strategies. The strategies made provision for
institutional requirements and implementation processes, manpower requirements, financial
mechanisms, legal reforms and monitoring measures. The implementation process summarized
with a calendar of the action plan for spatial regional integration in Africa. / PhD (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/15485 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Okeke, Donald Chiuba |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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