Call for papers

Call For Papers: Youth movements, education and urban informality

We invite you to propose papers for our panel, Reimagining Urban Futures: Addressing urban
informalities, conflicts, exclusion, and displacement through reform coalitions in the South, at
Development Studies Association (DSA) conference on June 25–27, 2025, University of Bath (Hybrid).
Please see the panel abstract below and propose papers on the DSA website
here: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/dsa2025/p/16301

The Call for Papers closes: 28 Jan 2025.

If you have any questions, please write to e.h.weldeghebrael@bham and samson.olanrewaju@uniosun.edu.ng
With kind regards,
Ezana and Samson

Reimagining urban futures: Addressing urban informalities, conflicts, exclusion, and displacement through reform coalitions in the south


Format: Paper panel
Thematic Stream: Youth movements, education and urban informality
Convenors: Ezana Haddis Weldeghebrael (University of Birmingham) and Samson Olanrewaju
(Osun State University)

Short Abstract:

The session examines the role of multi-stakeholder coalitions in tackling the predicaments of urban
informalities, land conflict, exclusion, and displacement through amplifying marginalized voices, co-producing inclusive solutions, and navigating governance challenges for sustainable urban reform.

Long Abstract:

Southern cities are grappling with rapid urbanization, poverty, and environmental degradation,
disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, including low-income communities and informal
economy actors. Informal settlements, unregulated land markets, and land conflicts exacerbate these
challenges, often leading to displacement due to government-led urban renewal, forced eviction, and
gentrification. Addressing these issues requires innovative approaches that move beyond traditional
top-down urban planning. Emerging research on urban reform coalitions (Kamath, 2023; Mitlin, 2023)
highlights the potential of multi-stakeholder collaborations to foster inclusive solutions. These
coalitions, which bring together disadvantaged groups, NGOs, local authorities, academics, and
businesses, aim to challenge power dynamics and co-produce solutions that address urban
inequalities.

However, key questions remain about the governance structures, strategies, and challenges of such coalitions. How do they amplify marginalized voices and integrate their knowledge into policy decisions? How do disadvantaged groups exercise agency within these alliances, and how do coalitions navigate the complexities of balancing power relations? This panel will explore these questions, examining the role of multi-stakeholder coalition-building in overcoming the challenges of urban informalities, land conflict, and displacement as well as adverse relations in the global South.

It will assess how these coalitions can address the dual role of land as both a source of conflict and a critical resource for development. The discussion will also critically reflect the role of academics in facilitating policy dialogue and knowledge co-production processes. Ultimately, the session will explore the opportunities and limitations of urban reform coalitions in promoting inclusive urban futures amidst
ongoing crises and development dynamics.

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