Patterns, determinants, impacts and policy implications of the spatial expansion of an African capital city: The Greater Gaborone example

Africa has experienced unprecedented rates of urban growth, at above 3% annually. This growth was accompanied not only by agglomeration economies and spread effects but negative externalities that impinge on the inhabitants and the natural resource base in the rural–urban transition zone. Already, cities occupy large geographical areas that are continually expanding. Botswana’s population is small with a recent urbanization history. However, it has recorded one of the highest urbanization levels (61%) and annual urban growth rates (2.5%). Unlike in most developed countries, the dynamics of peri-urbanization in Gaborone reflect a strong interplay of market and institutional factors. Actual population growth and demand for space has always defied projected forecasts. The country presents unique prospects for investigating patterns and processes that characterize urban growth and their intersecting environmental and policy implications for sustainable urbanization.The study utilizes a developmental approach based on spatial data to describe, interpret and analyse patterns and processes that determined the growth of Gaborone. It is evident that certain developments within the urban shadow of the city have been unregulated. In spite of the apparent ecological footprints resultant from the geographical manifestation of urban growth, legislative mitigation measures have rarely been implemented to promote sustainable urbanization.