Decision makers in local government face the ongoing challenge of how to provide services to the residents with limited resources. Whether drilling a new well to provide drinking water, renewing a road surface, buying new buses or issuing driving licences, municipal services require resources.

Next to skilled human resources, municipal services also require financial and natural resources. New trucks cost clean air in that their operation burns oxygen, emits carbon dioxide, creates dust, and has negative impact on human health. A new road costs biodiversity in that green space is converted into asphalt and natural habitats are split and separated. At the same time, a new road produces noise, i.e. it costs tranquillity. Similarly, new housing areas impose costs in terms of biodiversity, clean air, agricultural soil, and fresh water since the additional inhabitants will convert more fresh water into sewage. Clearly, municipal action always has both financial and natural cost implications.

This paper summarizes the outcome of an international conference on addressing the issue of urban youth in conflict with the law in Africa. It discusses the most effective responses to youth crime and violence which centre on prevention and inclusion (especially of youth in government) rather than exclusion, punishment and incarceration.

It also highlights the key role for local governments in developing effective local responses that draw in and support all key local actors (parents, schools, police, businesses).

The publication contains the spatial analysis of Gardho, a town in the Puntland State of Somalia.

This publication presents the results of the urban spatial analysis carried out by UN-HABITAT experts under the guidance of municipal authorities. The analysis gives a basic spatial understanding of the town and highlights concrete challenges and priority areas of intervention. A proposed strategic urban development plan is also presented.

The publication documents the process undertaken by the Sheikh Municipality, records the outcomes of the first broad consensus on urban issues, priority interventions and action plans, introduces the spatial analysis as a tool for strategic planning, and provides a comprehensive methodological tool for strategic urban planning.

The publication contains the spatial analysis of Garowe, the capital city of the Puntland State of Somalia.

This publication presents the results of the urban spatial analysis carried out by UN-HABITAT experts under the guidance of municipal authorities. The analysis gives a basic spatial understanding of the town and highlights concrete challenges and priority areas of intervention. A proposed strategic urban development plan is also presented.

The publication describes a city profile of Hargeisa, Somaliland. It serves mainly to inform civil society organisations and local urban planners of the challenges regarding general developmental issues and the spatial framework of the city.