Environment & Urbanization

World leading environmental and urban studies journal

Bridge the Gap! Modes of action and cooperation of transnational networks of local communities and their influence on the urban development in the Global South

Author(s): 
Beate Ginzel

Publisher: 
LIT Verlag

Pages: 
332

Year: 
2015

This book stems from Beate Ginzel’s PhD thesis on networks as modes of cooperation and action, along with their role and potential to bridge the gap between top-down strategies of the state and bottom-up initiatives of local communities. An architect by training, Ginzel used case study research between 2009 and early 2012, relating to the Tanzanian Urban Poor Federation (TUPF). TUPF is part of the transnational network Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI) and represents SDI at the continental level as a member of the East African Hub. Ginzel therefore takes it as an example of SDI’s methodology and an opportunity to examine the methodology’s effect upon actors involved and cross-sectoral relations. Through this case study Ginzel contributes knowledge about structures, processes and dynamics of transnational networks of grassroots organizations (GROs).

The five chapters of Bridge the Gap! reflect the PhD research process. Following the introduction in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 provides the context for the research by analysing the current problems of urbanization in the cities of the global South. It also identifies the challenges that result from the dynamic growth of unplanned settlements and the persistence of urban poverty. Particular attention is paid to sectors of governance and their interrelations, and to identifying gaps in cooperation and action. Chapter 2 concludes that networks are modes to interlink top-down strategies and bottom-up initiatives, as they “have the potential to entail multi-level and cross-sectoral cooperation... to cope with the multiple challenges of governance systems in the rapidly growing cities of the Global South” (page 119).

Chapter 3 establishes the theoretical framework for Ginzel’s thesis and gives a thorough knowledge review of networks by identifying their typical characteristics, dynamics and processes, as well as their potential, risks and limitations. Following this, Ginzel creates an overview of network governance, its key mechanisms and its criteria, and outlines approaches for network analysis (namely, formal/quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis). Ginzel emphasizes how a study of transnational networks of GROs and local movements fills a research gap.

Ginzel’s empirical research is set out in Chapter 4, and this substantive chapter accounts for nearly half the book. Here Ginzel presents her main and sub-hypotheses and their corresponding questions, followed by her research methodology and design. The chapter then analyses the modes of action and cooperation of transnational networks of GROs in the global South, using the case of TUPF. Ginzel explains four modes: savings groups as network actors and their activities; projects of savings groups affecting settlement development; approaches and projects at the city-wide network level; and cooperation and activities at the national and international level. As is evident, these modes represent different levels/scales.

In Chapter 5, Ginzel makes eight central statements that stem from her research findings about “approaches and mechanisms of governance which have proved to be relevant for stable and effective network structures and development processes” (page 292). These are deemed to be relevant to both government and development actors.

This is not light reading, but provides informative insight into transnational networks and their role in bridging the gap between state and grassroots initiatives. Particularly, it is a resource for those seeking to understand SDI, network governance, and methods of analysis.

 

Book note prepared by Hannah Keren Lee

Search the Book notes database

Our Book notes database contains details and summaries of all the publications included in Book notes since 1993 - with details on how to obtain/download.

Use the search form above, or visit the Book notes landing page for more options and latest content.

For a searchable database for papers in Environment and Urbanization, go to http://eau.sagepub.com/