Urban Political Ecology in African Cities Workshop

University of Pretoria 

22-26 September 2014 

WHY? As cities become increasingly significant to development and environmental crises at multiple 

scales, there is a growing need for research that can both contribute to theory and practice. We use the term 

"urban political ecology" to emphasise a particular approach to considering the city across a number of 

themes, ranging from more traditional environmental issues (such as climate change and air pollution) to 

urban flows (such as sanitation and electricity provision). Like many other scholars, we believe there is a 

need for a more explicitly political approach to these topics that draws attention to the winners and losers as 

cities continue to change. 

WHAT? A 5 day workshop to discuss critical approaches to urban environmental research, drawing on recent 

conversations in the literature about theory and methodology. This workshop is aimed to support new ideas, 

research collaborations and grant applications and provide an opportunity for discussion and in-depth 

engagement around these issues. The workshop will include presentations by participants and established 

scholars, discussions, and exercises for developing critical political lenses into existing research topics. We 

will also have targeted discussions on establishing research partnerships, funding applications, and 

academic publication. 

WHO? We envision that the workshop will include 15-20 emerging scholars, 2-3 established scholars, and 

the organising team. Applicants should have some experience in conducting research and academic 

publication and an interest in further international engagement. Preference will be given to participants from 

underrepresented categories (race, gender, nationality, etc). 

COST? Some funding has been secured to subsidize the cost of the workshop. Further applications are 

pending, and it is our hope that we will be able to cover the majority of costs for participants. More 

information to follow. 

HOW? Send us a short email noting interest to ensure we send you the forthcoming application details, 

deadlines and funding information. 

For more information and suggestions, email us at: 

• Dr. Mary Lawhon, University of Pretoria ([log in to unmask]) 

• Dr. Jonathan Silver, Durham University ([log in to unmask]) 

• Dr. Henrik Ernstson, University of Cape Town ([log in to unmask]) 

• Dr. Joseph Pierce, Florida State University ([log in to unmask]) 

For more reading and to learn about the broader collective involved in these approaches, please visit the 

Situated Urban Political Ecologies website: http://www.situatedecologies.net/supe