Abstract for:Urban Dynamics and Slums in the Developing World

The number of people living in slums in the developing world is rapidly growing. A lack of clean water and sanitation combined with extreme poverty is leading rapidly to disastrous consequences. Over the last two decades, several urban programs have been implemented to reduce the number of slums. However, the question remains open whether these initiatives are able to reverse the rapid growth of the slums. The current trajectories show that slums are growing faster than ever. In this paper, the dynamics of slums, based on comparative research in Egypt, the Philippines, India, Brazil and Colombia, are compared to the earlier study of urban dynamics by Jay W. Forrester. The paper will discuss some important similarities and differences and will adjust the model structure of Urban Dynamics to take account for important differences.

Key words: urban dynamics, slums, poverty, sustainable development