By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A groundbreaking open-access book, Urban Transformations in Sierra Leone: Knowledge Co-Production and Partnerships for a Just City, published by UCL Press in 2025, showcases the transformative work of the Sierra Leone Urban Research Centre (SLURC) over the past decade. Authored by Joseph M. Macarthy, Braima Koroma, Andrea Rigon, Alexandre Apsan Freidiani and Andrea Klingel, the 1994-page volume celebrates SLURC’s mission to improve the lives of residents in informal settlements through collaborative research and equitable partnerships.

Since its founding in 2015, SLURC has redefined urban development in Sierra Leone by centering the expertise and aspirations of informal settlement residents. The book details how SLURC’s innovative knowledge co-production processes have reshaped urban policy, moving away from top-down approaches to inclusive, community-driven decision-making. “This work demonstrates the power of collaboration,” said co-author Joseph M. Macarthy. “By bringing together residents, academics and policymakers, we’ve created new narratives about who shapes our cities.”

The book is divided into four parts, exploring urban transformation through various lenses. Part I provides context, detailing SLURC’s establishment, Freetown’s urban development patterns and the principles of knowledge co-production. Part II highlights research partnerships with institutions like University College London and the University of Sussex, addressing critical issues such as urban health, mobility, disability and resilience. Notably, Chapter 9 introduces the Community Action Area Planning (CAAP) methodology, which empowers residents to lead planning, design and budgeting processes.

Part III delves into SLURC’s diverse research methods, including participatory photography, massive open online courses (MOOCs) and community learning platforms. Those approaches amplify residents’ voices and foster collective visions for urban development. Part IV offers personal accounts from academics, activists and policymakers, revealing the challenges and triumphs of building SLURC into a trusted partner across local and global stages.

SLURC’s impact extends beyond research. The organization has influenced national development plans, securing recognition for informal settlements and highlighting residents as key city-makers. The book also critiques externally imposed urban agendas, advocating for equitable partnerships that reflect local needs.

“This book is both a reflection on SLURC’s achievements and a call to action,” said co-author Andrea Rigon. “It shows how knowledge co-production can drive just urban transformations, while acknowledging the complexities of sustaining change.”

Urban Transformations in Sierra Leone is available for free at https://www.environmentandurbanization.org. It offers valuable lessons for urban researchers, policymakers and community advocates worldwide, underscoring the potential of inclusive, collaborative approaches to build fairer cities.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leones-urban-transformation-new-book-highlights-decade-of-community-driven-research/