Analytical nexus of urban liveability, liveable communities and place-making in African cities

Abstract

Literature suggests that there are sets of standard variables that can explain urban liveability differentials. These variables used to examine liveable city spaces are and contribute to the constructs for urban development. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyse empirical linkages within urban liveability, place-making, and Liveable communities in Africa using a partial least squares path analytic method. This study examines the interrelationship within three important constructs using a questionnaire survey to obtain data from 390 residents across twelve (12) country capitals in the four major geographical zones in African. Using a path analytic approach, the paper examines the relationship between the constructs discussed in the study. The data analysis findings show that place-making influences Liveable communities and urban liveability. Therefore, the results indicate that cities that prioritise place-making have better liveable community spaces over those that do not. The study findings have implications for liveable communities, as it could help city development planners acknowledge the influence of place-making on urban liveability and liveable communities. The study contributes to the current debate on measuring urban liveability within the African City Space.