CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Research
Research Problem
Objectives and Research Questions
- Main Objective
- Main Research Question
Rationale of the Study
Structure of the Dissertation
Conclusion
CHAPTER TWO: CONCEPTUAL AND FRAMEWORK
Introduction
The primary focus of this chapter is to discuss the key concepts and theories that underpin this research study on the sustainable development of peripheral towns in the eThekwini Municipality. This forms the basis for understanding the factors that contribute to the sustainability or lack of sustainability of urban fringe development.
Urban Growth
- Sources of Urban Growth
- Implications of Urban Growth
Planners also subscribed to the view that the physical environment had a marked effect on economic and social life (Ibid). 2004) explained the progress of urban growth by relating it to three systems: the planned urban system, the developed urban system and the developed non-urban system. According to Bhatta (2010) one of the main causes of urban growth is the increase in urban population.
Urban Sprawl
- Causes of urban sprawl
- Costs and Benefits of Sprawl
Another factor of urban expansion is individual choice, where single-family homes in a quieter environment are preferred over living in the city center. Bhattah (2010) observes that living and property costs are generally higher in the city center than in the peripheral areas of the city; it attracts development to the periphery.
Urban Fringe
- Composition of Urban Fringe Areas
- Urban Fringe Development
- Typical Issues Associated with Urban Fringe Developments
The problems with the urban fringe lie in the nature and consequences of this transformation (Ibid). In terms of land use, the urban edge is often the location of specific land uses and functions that vary widely.
Sustainability
- Importance of achieving sustainability at the urban fringe
According to Kashem and Hafiz (2006), sustainability is defined at international and national levels. Social sustainability in peri-urban areas also has positive results as people living in peri-urban areas have the opportunity to live better lives with access to basic and recreational services.
Conclusion
Furthermore, achieving economic sustainability in the fringes of cities can result in economic growth that benefits peri-urban areas as well as extended rural areas in the periphery and city center. It is important that people on the fringes are able to pursue the lifestyle they want by living in an environment that is conducive to them.
CHAPTER THREE: PRECEDENTS ON URBAN FRINGE DEVELOPMENTS AND
- Introduction
- Urban Fringe Developments in Developed Countries
- Urban fringe Management through Green Belts in the United Kingdom
- Urban Fringe Developments in Developing Countries
- Urban fringe developments in Africa: Examples from Nigeria
- Case of Dhaka in Bangladesh
- Case of China
- Local Precedents: South African Context of Urban Fringe Developments
- Conclusion
However, both the government and the private sector have created new cities in the urban fringe areas of Dhaka. An analysis of China's urban fringes can help put the dynamics of sustainability challenges facing urban fringe developments into a larger perspective. Both topography and the natural environment are one of the main external forces that hinder the development of urban fringe areas.
Development on the outskirts of cities is largely influenced by patterns of urban growth, urbanization and urban sprawl.
CHAPTER FOUR: METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE SUSTAINABILITY
- Introduction
- Research Methodology
- The Case Study of Cato Ridge
- Data Sources
- Data Collection
- Primary Data Collection
- Secondary Data Collection
- Qualitative Research
- Qualities of Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Qualities of Quantitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Sampling Procedure
- Data Analysis
- A Physical Analysis Of Cato Ridge
- Land Use Survey
- Field Observation
- Qualitative Phenomelogical Data Analysis
- Types of Qualitative data analysis
- The Data Analysis Process
- Limitations to the Study
- Suggestions to Improve the Study
- Conclusion
According to Oliver (2006), the main disadvantage of purposive sampling is the bias of the researcher's decision-making. The physical analysis of the study area provided the researcher with a context in which to conduct field observations and land use research. This means shedding light on the personal interpretations of the researcher and fully engaging with the views of the interviewee (Tesch, 1992:92).
The researcher reads the data several times in order to achieve an understanding and sense of the overall content.
CHAPTER FIVE: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
Presentation of the Cato Ridge Urban Fringe Development Case Study
In order to assess the sustainability of Cato Ridge urban fringe development, the researcher sought to identify some of the key drivers of land use change and development in the area. From this perspective, the researcher assessed the sustainability of Cato Ridge's development as a fringe urban area. What distinctive features define Cato Ridge as an urban fringe area in relation to the eThekwini Municipality.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cato Ridge as an area located on the edge of the city. How would you describe the general environmental condition of Cato Ridge as an urban fringe. What are the pros and cons of locating your business in Cato Ridge as an urban suburb of the eThekwini Municipality.
Cato Ridge Demographics
Findings on the Sustainability of Cato Ridge Urban Fringe Development
- Driving Forces for Land Use Change and Development in the Cato Ridge Urban Fringe
- Perceptions on the Cato Ridge Urban Fringe Development by Various Stakeholders
- Existing Developments and Land Uses in Cato Ridge: Sustainability Challenges and
In analyzing the sustainability of the Cato Ridge urban fringe development, the researcher started by determining the drivers of development in the area to gain more understanding of how different development processes play out. In addition, the researcher conducted interviews with relevant stakeholders to understand their perspectives on the development of the Cato Ridge urban fringe and its sustainability. Industries in Cato Ridge such as Assmang and SAFAL play a significant role in influencing development in the area.
The researcher conducted interviews with local businesses in Cato Ridge to understand their perspective on fringe development and their role in sustainable development initiatives.
Cato Ridge Urban Fringe Sustainable Development Challenges
- Complex Issues of Land Ownership and Administration
- Informal Development
- Transportation and Mobility
- Service Delivery
- Interrelation of Land Uses in the Urban Fringe
- Poverty in the Outer West Region
- Issues of Governance
In an interview with one of the district councillors, the respondent indicated that the provision of services in the urban fringes of eThekwini Municipality is very slow and that there is a serious lack of services in the area. Inadequate provision of services is a challenge to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the area. In an interview with one of the local small business owners, the respondent noted that the government is not doing enough to help small businesses on the outskirts of cities and that there is also a lack of direct investment in small businesses or infrastructure upgrades to ensure they have access to credit.
One of the ward councilors interviewed by the researcher believed that there was a lack of good governance in terms of involving local communities in decision-making processes, and that communities on the urban fringe did not have a strong participatory relationship with government.
A response to the call for Urban Fringe Sustainability by eThekwini Municipality
- Development Plans
According to the eThekwini Municipality (2010), the Municipality's ROR is the most important spatial strategic response to the development context, needs and vision of the municipality as described in the IDP. One of the key features of the Outer West SDF (OWSDF) relevant to this study is the concept of an Urban Development Line (UDL). In an interview with one of eThekwini Municipality's city planners, the respondent said that a perfect demarcation of the UDL, as presented on a conceptual map, cannot be so easily visible in a practical sense.
According to the respondent, this is a result of informal developments that already exist and developments that already existed before the formulation of the UDL.
The Public-Private Edge to Sustainable Development in the Urban Fringe
Furthermore, overpopulation must be avoided to prevent resource depletion and ensure sustainability. The fact that the public sector needs investment from the private sector or other countries for successful development cannot be ignored. These investment relationships therefore promote public-private partnerships that can have both positive and negative outcomes.
According to Ofosu-Kwankye (2009), as the private sector participates in public sector planning and development initiatives are promoted, there is a need to strengthen institutional structures in the public domain.
Overall Assessment of the Sustainability of Cato Ridge Urban Fringe Developments
Conclusion
What socio-economic ratio, if any, does the urban center of eThekwini Municipality have with Cato Ridge as its urban edge. What long-term goals does the City intend to achieve for Kato Ridge as an urban edge? What are the socio-economic and environmental challenges facing Cato Ridge as an urban frontier area where sustainability is concerned.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of your industry being located in the urban fringe of eThekwini Municipality.
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
This chapter presents a summary of the study as well as recommendations to ensure the sustainability of urban fringe developments in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and similar contexts. The main aim of this research study was to assess the sustainability of urban fringe developments in the context of sprawling metropolitan cities, using the Cato Ridge urban fringe development in eThekwini Municipality as a case study. The researcher aimed to formulate a conceptual framework applicable to urban fringe developments to guide the assessment of their sustainability.
Based on the empirical case study of the Cato Ridge urban fringe development, the researcher presented key findings and discussion on the sustainability of urban fringe developments, before drawing conclusions and making recommendations.
Synopsis of the Research
The findings and analysis of the Cato Ridge case study clearly outline the perspectives of various stakeholders regarding the sustainability issues impacting the area. After the findings were presented, the researcher could draw conclusions and answer the main research question and sub-questions.
Recommendations
Environmental sustainability in urban fringes can also be achieved through good open space management systems. In addition, planners must work with ecologists to connect people, place and environment within fringe urban areas. Efficient mobility and connectivity within and outside the city fringes and a good transport system will also increase economic sustainability.
It is also recommended that peri-urban social sustainability initiatives be site-specific rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
Final conclusion
In terms of social sustainability, urban fringe developments must be people-centred and take into account the overall well-being of the people living in these areas. It is important to understand the social needs, cultural diversity and lifestyle patterns specific to an urban fringe. 76 There is an urgent need for an answer to the call for sustainability in urban fringe areas, because they are vulnerable to spatial changes and disorderly development.
This study concluded that sustainability in the Cato Ridge urban fringe can be achieved through the collaboration of different stakeholders who each play their role effectively.
Bibliography
What are the preferred land uses for Kato Ridge as an urban area according to the eThekwini Municipality. How effective are environmental management policies and regulations for Cato Ridge as a suburban area? What are the disadvantages and advantages of Cato Ridge as an area located outside the Durban city center (suburbs).
What role, if any, does your Industry play in Cato Ridge and eThekwini Municipality as a whole.
Appendices