Building Prosperity: Housing and Economic Development

Description

This book is a much-needed account, with numerous detailed examples, of the role of housing in economic growth and development by an author in a unique position to understand its importance and the practical measures for delivering that growth. While the linkages between housing and the macroeconomic environment in developed countries has been studied, the case of developing and transitional countries has been mostly overlooked. The author establishes these linkages with great clarity, supported by detailed case studies chosen to reflect regional diversity as well as differences in socio-economic development and political systems. On the basis of this analysis, the author goes on to develop specific policies and practices to enable governments to enhance the contribution of housing in economic growth.

Dr Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka is Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

'Writing from her extraordinary perspective and experience with governments and civil society around the world, Anna Tibaijuka has provided an important contribution to the debate about the role of housing in development. Building Prosperity is a forceful argument for the need to understand the role of housing in development policies and to include housing as an important component of development strategies.' Professor Michael Cohen, Director of the International Affairs Program, The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs, Newschool, New York 'Good quality, secure housing remains one of the most neglected goals in development. But it has such obvious importance for health, living standards, security and economic development. Building Prosperity addresses these issues and deserves a wide audience among governments and international agencies.' David Satterthwaite, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) 'With a deep understanding of the contextualizing pressures associated with rapid urbanization, and the wisdom to see that housing is more than shelter, this book is an essential read for anyone who wants to know what mistakes have been made, what opportunities might still be available, and how best to advance the global commitment to housing as a human right while also laying the foundation for sustained economic growth.' Diane E. Davis, Head, International Development Group, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA '[This book] makes an important contribution to the international debate on the role of housing in economic development. It is my sincere hope that its conclusions and recommendations will lead to greater prosperity across the world and translate into positive changes in the lives of the urban poor.' From the Foreword by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations 'This book is important reading for anyone interested in the role of housing in economic growth and development by an author in a unique position to understand its importance and the practical measures for delivering that growth.' Urban World