migration & urbanization

By 2050, the global population will grow by 50 per cent to 10 billion, Africa’s population will double, the urban population will triple and the number of people migrating in search of a sustainable livelihood will threaten peace and security in many regions of the world. Urban poverty will overtake rural poverty as the principal challenge and the number of people crowding into cities in search of a future will place great strain on existing or unprepared infrastructure and public services capability.

Alinea works with development agencies and governments to analyze, plan and prepare for the demographic future, helping organizations to understand likely future movements of people; mitigate and manage migration flows; and future proof urban capacity planning and requirements.

We support provincial and municipal authorities and local communities to incorporate resiliency and sustainability into strategic planning – promoting and supporting innovation and technology shifts to enable effective strategies for mitigation, adaptation and sustainable urban development.

WORLDWIDE: Scoping Analysis on Migration (UK DFID)

Migration is now seen as an inevitable global phenomenon that needs to be better understood and managed. In the past, migration was generally seen as reflecting the failure of development, or worse, as contributing to a vicious circle that reinforces poverty. However, there is now growing recognition and evidence that migration, both internal and international, can also represent an important route out of poverty. Evidence suggests that migration can have significant positive impacts on livelihoods and well-being, though it also carries costs and risks that may be borne disproportionately by the poor, and may increase inequality if the risks are not well managed. Alinea (UK) undertook an analysis of studies and papers on migration commissioned by development agencies and the work of international organizations, such as the World Bank, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, as well as the European Union. The analysis aimed to draw out what is already known and the gaps. It was preceded by a survey of the available literature and data, which also sought to reflect the wider context on migration.

PALESTINE: Due Diligence on Affordable Housing Finance (UK DFID)

The development objectives of the Affordable Housing Finance initiative in Palestine were designed to open up access to finance, and stimulate poverty reduction through investment and employment creation. Alinea (UK) undertook a review of the programme, providing specialist advice in mortgage finance and urban development. The Alinea team provided independent expert opinion and contributions to the design of the Palestinian Mortgage Facility to ensure the programme design followed international best practice, was appropriate to local context, and that approach and outcomes were consistent with the International Development Act. Services provided included institutional assessment; analysis of the housing sector and programme design to achieve impact; and technical assistance on the design and implementation of the financing facility.

EGYPT: Social Research to Support Resettlement Planning (Synergy Global UK)

Alinea (UK) provided social research services to support the Synergy Global team to conduct social baseline studies and stakeholder consultation as part of a resettlement planning process in Cairo. Services provided included: consultation meetings with affected household representatives; facilitation of meetings around resettlement issues with key stakeholders; site visits; and support to social baseline research.

BANGLADESH: Affordable Housing Scheme (Build Bangladesh)

Build Bangladesh is a participatory impact investment model to enhance social entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. Alinea Impact Capital is working to undertake a pre-feasibility study drawing together the information required to prepare an Information Memorandum to raise DFI support for a major affordable housing programme, including preparing loan/grant support for the next stage and preparing a stage two Bankable Feasibility Study to include: building the framework for social and environmental impact measurement; developing the analysis and business case for the project; further testing and refining the detailed fundraising Information Memorandum; building the book of impact investors and debt finance facilities; identifying the implementation and EPC team; and developing the project plan.