This paper argues that planning in the Global South needs to be embedded within a more complex and systemic framework based on understanding cities' functions and transformations, at both local and regional levels, whilst advocating for and incorporating informal and temporary dynamics. This is to differentiate between two competing processes: formal planning and citizen-led place-making, here considered as a form of reactive alternative-substitute place-making that occurs when there is no available alternative. The paper calls for a better integration of such impermanent, adaptable, temporary and alternative forms of place-making into the planning process for regional futures.

According to IRENA (2012), renewable energy (RE) resources are all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner, including bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy, solar energy, and wind energy. For this entry, the scope extends to improved energy technologies that are defined as technologies with improved energy conversion efficiency which should be accompanied by reduced pollution levels (Clancy et al. 2011). Examples include improved cookstoves and technologies for lighting used in rural households. According to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), gender refers to socially constructed roles and relations between men and women. This includes the different responsibilities of women and men in a given culture or location. These roles vary within between cultures, ethnicity, and class and change over time. Social inclusion according to the World Bank (2013) refers to the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society, improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged because of their identity.

The importance of the commercial motorcycle for public transport in many African cities is increasingly recognised. However, rapid urbanisation and urban economic growth also increases the demand for motorised transport, resulting in increased congestion, road traffic accidents and air pollution. While exposure to air pollution is a well-established risk factor for respiratory illnesses, there has been very little study of occupational exposure to transport-related air pollution in African cities. This research contributes to that gap, studying the exposure and impact of air pollution on Kampala’s boda boda riders (commercial motorcycle riders). The study uses low-cost mobile pollution monitors fixed to a commercial motorcycle to demonstrate the vulnerability of riders exposed to high levels of air pollution throughout much of the working day. The study indicates how low-cost monitoring can help boda boda riders understand and to minise their exposure to air pollution, and support urban policy that reduces air pollution while also recognising the importance of Kampala’s boda boda for both urban transport and livelihoods.

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