A spatio-temporal analysis of peri-urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa: a case study from Lobatse, Botswana

This paper aims at delineating and rationalising the spatial processes that characterise peri-urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa, using Lobatse, Botswana, as a case study. The research techniques employed included the sourcing of: archival documents; available and simulated time series data; social survey data; field observations as well as spatial data derived from aerial photographs for 1966-2006 and integrated in a geographical information systems framework. The exercise resulted in: (1) the production of temporal-spatial model maps, (2) the systematic description and explanation of the spatial growth patterns of the study area, (3) the modelling of its rationalised growth pattern, and (4) an analysis of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of this spatial growth pattern. The study further confirmed the relevance of certain underlying principles of urban morphology and morphogenesis. Among the key recommendations, we suggest that, to move towards sustainable development, the national Environmental Impact Assessment Act should guide all future development.