Villes africaines: Environnement et enjeux de développement durable from Coursera

Le cours propose une lecture de l’environnement urbain en Afrique à travers les thématiques les plus pertinentes pour mesurer le niveau de développement d’un pays : eau et vie urbaine, assainissement (eaux usées et pluviales), gestion des déchets solides, agriculture urbaine. Après avoir analysé les différents enjeux de celles-ci, nous aborderons les liens entre environnement urbain et santé.

Pour chacune des thématiques énoncées, nous présenterons une étude de cas.

L’entrée du cours n’est pas disciplinaire, mais thématique. Le cours articule différents échelles de lecture de la ville (régional, inter urbain et intra urbain) pour dégager les caractéristiques et les disparités.

What's inside

Syllabus

Eau et vie urbaine

L’accès à l’eau potable et à l’assainissement constitue un bon indicateur du niveau de développement d’un pays. En Afrique, la situation se caractérise par une diversité de modes d’accès à ces services de base et par une disparité de situation selon les pays, les villes et à l’intérieur des villes. Cette thématique traite de ces problématiques avec une étude de cas d’une ville secondaire et termine par l’analyse du cadre législatif, réglementaire et institutionnelle de la gestion du secteur.

Gestion des déchets solides

La gestion des déchets solides et le « plus municipal » des services urbains de base. Cette thématique aborde les questions clés liées à sa gestion (caractérisation, cadre législatif et institutionnel, organisation de la filière, financement) et propose une approche de gestion adaptée aux villes africaines.

Agriculture urbaine

L’agriculture urbaine en Afrique est un enjeu important de gestion et de planification urbaine. Traiter de cette thématique nous renvoie à des questions de définitions et des fonctions de celle-ci, mais aussi à des analyses sur ses diverses formes ainsi que les enjeux fonciers pour sa survie.

Environnement urbain, santé et développement

L’environnement aussi bien physique que socio-économique des villes africaines interagissent avec la santé des populations. Pour ces villes, en cours de transition sanitaire, la compréhension des enjeux et les solutions à mettre en œuvre pourront contribuer à améliorer le profil sanitaire des populations urbaines et réduire les taux de morbidité et de mortalité liés notamment à la double charge des maladies infectieuses et parasitaires et maladies chroniques.

Finalisation

Durant cette semaine, vous devez évaluer l'exercice d'application de vos camarades et répondre au Quiz final.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

L'objectif de ce cours est d'évaluer la croissance et la complexité des environnements urbains dans des pays spécifiques d'Afrique, y compris les problèmes d'accès à l'eau potable et à l'assainissement, de gestion des déchets solides, d'agriculture urbaine et de leur incidence sur la santé publique

Ce cours est conçu pour les professionnels travaillant dans les domaines de la planification urbaine, de la santé publique, de l'environnement et du développement durable, ainsi que pour les étudiants en études urbaines, en géographie et en sciences de l'environnement

Il est dispensé par des instructeurs Jérôme Chenal et N’Diékhor Yemadji reconnus pour leurs travaux sur l'environnement urbain en Afrique

Le cours adopte une approche multidisciplinaire, combinant des études de cas, des lectures, des discussions et des exercices pratiques

Il couvre un éventail de sujets pertinents pour comprendre l'environnement urbain en Afrique, notamment l'accès à l'eau et à l'assainissement, la gestion des déchets solides, l'agriculture urbaine et l'impact de l'environnement urbain sur la santé publique

Reviews summary

Sustainable urban environment in africa

This course covers topics relevant to measuring sustainable development of African cities, such as environment, sanitation, waste management, agriculture, health, and their interrelations.

This course provides rich information.

"Ce cours est très instructif."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Villes africaines: Environnement et enjeux de développement durable with these activities:

Review Intermediate French

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Review key grammar rules, vocabulary, and phrases to enhance your comprehension and command of the French language.

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Review common verb conjugations and tenses.
Practice forming and using complex sentences.
Expand your vocabulary by reading French literature or watching movies.

Read 'Astérix et Cléopâtre' by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo

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Immerse yourself in the classic French comic book, 'Astérix et Cléopâtre,' to enhance your vocabulary and gain cultural insights. Engage with the characters, follow their adventures, and appreciate the humor and wit of the storytelling.

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Read the comic book in French to experience the original language and humor.
Look up unfamiliar words and phrases to expand your vocabulary.
Identify cultural references and historical allusions to deepen your understanding of French culture.

Complete Online French Grammar Exercises

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Strengthen your grasp of French grammar by completing online exercises that test your knowledge of verb conjugations, sentence structure, and other grammatical concepts.

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Identify online platforms or apps that offer interactive grammar drills.
Choose exercises that target specific grammar points you want to improve.
Practice regularly to enhance your accuracy and fluency.

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Explore Online French Resources

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Supplement your learning by exploring online platforms, apps, and videos that provide interactive exercises, pronunciation practice, and cultural insights.

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Identify reputable online resources that align with your learning objectives.
Follow tutorials and complete interactive exercises to reinforce your grammar and vocabulary.
Engage in pronunciation practice to improve your fluency.

Write Weekly Journal Entries

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Regularly reflect on the course material by summarizing key concepts, evaluating your understanding, and posing questions to consolidate your learning.

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Identify the main ideas and arguments presented in the assigned readings.
Summarize the key points in your own words, explaining their significance.
Record any questions or areas where you need further clarification.

Volunteer with a French-Speaking Organization

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Apply your developing skills in a practical setting by volunteering with organizations that serve French-speaking communities. Engage in conversations, provide support, and contribute to meaningful causes.

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Identify organizations in your area that focus on French language or culture.
Attend orientation and training programs to learn about the organization's mission and policies.
Participate in activities that involve interacting with French-speaking individuals.

Join a French Language Exchange Group

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Immerse yourself in the language by connecting with native French speakers or fellow learners. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and receive feedback to improve your communication skills.

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Find a language exchange group or partner through online platforms or local community centers.
Schedule regular meetings to practice speaking and listening to French.
Take turns leading discussions, asking questions, and providing feedback.

Create a French Language Portfolio

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Document your progress and showcase your proficiency by creating a portfolio that includes written texts, audio recordings, videos, and other materials that demonstrate your skills.

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Collect samples of your writing, speaking, and listening exercises.
Organize and present your work in a visually appealing and structured format.
Share your portfolio with others for feedback and encouragement.

Career center

Learners who complete Villes africaines: Environnement et enjeux de développement durable will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the living conditions of people in developing countries. This course can help provide a strong foundation in the environmental challenges and sustainable development issues that International Development Specialists need to consider when working in African cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for businesses and organizations. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental challenges and sustainable development issues that Sustainability Managers need to consider when working in African cities.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and programs for the use of land and the physical development of communities. This course can help provide a strong foundation in the environmental challenges and sustainable development issues that urban planners need to consider when making decisions about urban development, particularly in developing countries.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure, including water and wastewater systems, roads, and bridges. This course can help provide a foundation in the environmental challenges and sustainable development issues that Civil Engineers need to consider when working in African cities.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of disease. This course can help provide a foundation in the environmental determinants of health, which would be valuable for Epidemiologists working in urban areas in Africa.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental challenges facing urban areas in Africa, which would be valuable for Environmental Scientists working in this region.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists promote healthy eating and nutrition at the community level. This course can help provide a foundation in the environmental determinants of health, which would be valuable for Public Health Nutritionists working in urban areas in Africa.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts analyze environmental policies and regulations. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental challenges facing urban areas in Africa, which would be valuable for Environmental Policy Analysts working in this region.

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Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental challenges facing urban areas in Africa, which would be valuable for Climate Change Adaptation Specialists working in this region.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and governments on environmental issues. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental challenges facing urban areas in Africa, which would be valuable for Environmental Consultants working in this region.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and human-environment interactions. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental challenges facing urban areas in Africa, which would be valuable for Geographers working in this region.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists analyze environmental health problems, conduct investigations, and develop and enforce regulations to protect public health. This course can help build a foundation in the environmental health challenges facing urban areas in Africa, particularly as they relate to water and sanitation. The course's coverage of agriculture and waste management in urban areas would also be valuable in understanding the interconnectedness of environmental factors and public health, especially in areas with limited resources.

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Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems, including water supply and treatment, wastewater treatment, and flood control. This course may be helpful for Water Resources Engineers working in Africa, as it provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities related to water management in African cities.

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Sanitation Engineer

Sanitation Engineers design and manage sanitation systems, including wastewater treatment and disposal. This course may be helpful for Sanitation Engineers working in Africa, as it provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities related to sanitation in African cities. The course's focus on case studies of specific African cities would be particularly valuable.

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Waste Management Engineer

Waste Management Engineers design and manage waste management systems, including waste collection, treatment, and disposal. This course may be helpful for Waste Management Engineers working in Africa, as it provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities related to waste management in African cities. The course's emphasis on sustainable waste management practices would be particularly valuable.

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