**5.1 Urban growth**

The location change was analysed using:


The map resulting from the comparison of land use classifications in 1995 and 2005 shows that the extensions of the city is concentrated in the southwest and northeast of Kinshasa (Figure 2).

Fig. 2. Evolution of urban sprawl between 1995 and 2005 (Sources: Images Spot KJ 3 096-358 March 31, 1995 and KJ 4 096-358 July 01, 2005)

The Mapping of the Urban Growth of Kinshasa (DRC)

Beni, 2004; Delbart et al., 2002; Mbuila Matot, 2001)

0

1000

10000

100000

1000000

10000000

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

Through High Resolution Remote Sensing Between 1995 and 2005 471

Pop(1960)=100 Surf(1960)=100

Population

(ha)"

"Surfaces bâties

Fig. 3. Urban growth and population growth (Sources: Lelo Nzuzi, 2008; Yebe Musieme

1940 1960 1980 2000 2020

Fig. 4. Semi-logarithmic graph of urban growth and population growth (Sources: Lelo Nzuzi, 2008; Yebe Musieme Beni, 2004; Delbart et al., 2002; Mbuila Matot, 2001)

1940 1960 1980 2000 2020

The spatial extension in the southwest took place mainly along the roads of Matadi and Lutendele (Zone 1). This process concerns the cities of Benseke, Kimbondo, Sans Fil and Matadi Mayo on the road to Matadi, and the cities of Lutendele, Kimbala, Zamba and Mazanza on the road to Lutendele. Cities such as Benseke and Kimbondo or Kimbala and Zamba have even joined in 2005.

To the east, there is a filling of interstitial spaces (Zone 2) and extension (Zone 3). Indeed, in neighbourhoods Mpasa I, II and III, Mikonga and the Badara camp, to the east of the River Ndjili, the blanks were filled. While in the far east, across the river Ndjili (Kinkole), the builtup was extended.

Urban growth can be explained by a population growth (5.1.1). Its spatial location can be explained by two main geographical factors beyond the simple distance to downtown, also an employment centre, the relief (5.1.2) and lines of communication (5.1.3).

#### **5.1.1 Urban growth and population growth**

Table 4 shows the evolution of the population of the extent of the city of Kinshasa and its density. In 45 years, the population rose from 400,000 to 7.5 million inhabitants in 2005, while the building area covered 6800 ha in 1960 against 43,400 in 2005. The population density tripled between 1960 and 2005 from about 60 inhabitants / ha in 1960 to 170 inhabitants / ha in 2005, on the whole, the city has expanded and become denser.


Table 4. Evolution of the population, the extent of Kinshasa and its density (Sources: Lelo Nzuzi, 2008; Yebe Musieme, 2004; Delbart et al., 2002; Mbuila Matot, 2001)

When reporting on data on population and built-up areas in 1960, one can compare the growth in urban population. Figure 3 shows that the extension of buildings characterized by an index of 600 in 2005, while the population has an index of nearly 1900.

To compare growth rates, there is data on a semi-logarithmic graph (Figure 4).

The spatial extension in the southwest took place mainly along the roads of Matadi and Lutendele (Zone 1). This process concerns the cities of Benseke, Kimbondo, Sans Fil and Matadi Mayo on the road to Matadi, and the cities of Lutendele, Kimbala, Zamba and Mazanza on the road to Lutendele. Cities such as Benseke and Kimbondo or Kimbala and

To the east, there is a filling of interstitial spaces (Zone 2) and extension (Zone 3). Indeed, in neighbourhoods Mpasa I, II and III, Mikonga and the Badara camp, to the east of the River Ndjili, the blanks were filled. While in the far east, across the river Ndjili (Kinkole), the built-

Urban growth can be explained by a population growth (5.1.1). Its spatial location can be explained by two main geographical factors beyond the simple distance to downtown, also

Table 4 shows the evolution of the population of the extent of the city of Kinshasa and its density. In 45 years, the population rose from 400,000 to 7.5 million inhabitants in 2005, while the building area covered 6800 ha in 1960 against 43,400 in 2005. The population density tripled between 1960 and 2005 from about 60 inhabitants / ha in 1960 to 170

(ha)

Density (hab/ha)

an employment centre, the relief (5.1.2) and lines of communication (5.1.3).

inhabitants / ha in 2005, on the whole, the city has expanded and become denser.

1960 400000 6800 59 1967 901520 9470 95 1969 1051000 12903 81 1973 1323039 14600 91 1975 1679091 17992 93 1981 2567166 20160 127 1984 2653558 26000 102 1995 4719862 31007 152 2000 6000000 39518 151 2005 7500000 43414 173 Table 4. Evolution of the population, the extent of Kinshasa and its density (Sources: Lelo

Years Population Surface

Nzuzi, 2008; Yebe Musieme, 2004; Delbart et al., 2002; Mbuila Matot, 2001)

an index of 600 in 2005, while the population has an index of nearly 1900.

To compare growth rates, there is data on a semi-logarithmic graph (Figure 4).

When reporting on data on population and built-up areas in 1960, one can compare the growth in urban population. Figure 3 shows that the extension of buildings characterized by

Zamba have even joined in 2005.

**5.1.1 Urban growth and population growth** 

up was extended.

Fig. 3. Urban growth and population growth (Sources: Lelo Nzuzi, 2008; Yebe Musieme Beni, 2004; Delbart et al., 2002; Mbuila Matot, 2001)

Fig. 4. Semi-logarithmic graph of urban growth and population growth (Sources: Lelo Nzuzi, 2008; Yebe Musieme Beni, 2004; Delbart et al., 2002; Mbuila Matot, 2001)

The Mapping of the Urban Growth of Kinshasa (DRC)

Through High Resolution Remote Sensing Between 1995 and 2005 473

Fig. 5. Urban growth in Kinshasa from 1889 to 2005 (Source: historical maps collected by Johan Lagae, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ghent University)

Figure 4 shows that the average growth rate of the population is less than the extension of the city. The average growth rate of the population over the period 1960-2005 is 6.73%, while that of the built area is 4.21%. Applying this growth rate to the built area of 2005 to calculate the extension of the city in 2009, we do not get the 600 km2 regularly cited, but only about 510 km2.

By analysing the slopes, one can compare the growth rates, they both appear to decline in 1981 (Table 5). This result confirms the observations of Bruneau (1994).


Table 5. Population growth rate

The first period covers the 20 years after independence (until 1981). It is characterized by a very high population growth and rapid expansion space. During the second period, the population growth rate slows sharply, although it remains high, from 9.26% between 1960 and 1981 to 7.5% between 1981 and 2005. The spatial extension grew at a slower pace and passes from 5.31% between 1960 and 1981 to 3.25% between 1981 and 2005.

#### **5.1.2 Urban growth and relief**

According to the observation of existing maps and plans (Figure 5), the extension to Kinkole phases that have characterized the spatial development of Kinshasa since its inception are confirmed.

Born in the west to the Bay of Ngaliema, the city had its first developments to the east with the birth of the ancient cities (Kinshasa, Barumbu, Lingwala, Kintambo) and Gombe (formerly Kalina) in the late 1920s. From then the city grew to the south with the birth of new cities (Kasavubu and Ngiri-Ngiri) between 1930 and 1940. It was during the 1950s that the city took over the management of the east with the merger of Kalina (Leo West) and Leo. Compared to the town of 1959, we find that the city is much more extensive in the south, southwest and east (beyond the communes of Kimbanseke and Masina). Comparing the growth of map altitudes and landforms, we observe that Kinshasa was first extended in the plain corresponding to the extension of the Malebo pool and until independence in 1960 (Figure 6), the colonial authorities strictly prohibited constructions on the hills in the absence of a particular development.

After independence, the city expanded to the southwest on the plateau to the east and the plains. For the period 1995-2005, the growth has continued in the same directions.

To the east, it extends the plain due to the narrow width of flat land in the east (Biyeye, 1997). Indeed, the extension behind the neighbourhoods Mpasa I, II, III and Mikonga did not take place because of steep slopes; this is how urban sprawl has moved beyond the city Kinkole.

To the west of the river Ndjili, areas of flat plains to the south are being built upon, urbanization covers steep slopes (Figure 7), but they are unfit for human settlement in the absence of appropriate management. Indeed, these areas of steep slopes are subject to

Figure 4 shows that the average growth rate of the population is less than the extension of the city. The average growth rate of the population over the period 1960-2005 is 6.73%, while that of the built area is 4.21%. Applying this growth rate to the built area of 2005 to calculate the extension of the city in 2009, we do not get the 600 km2 regularly cited, but only about

By analysing the slopes, one can compare the growth rates, they both appear to decline in

Growth rate Population Urban 1960-1981 9.26% 5.31% 1981-2005 5.07% 3.25%

The first period covers the 20 years after independence (until 1981). It is characterized by a very high population growth and rapid expansion space. During the second period, the population growth rate slows sharply, although it remains high, from 9.26% between 1960 and 1981 to 7.5% between 1981 and 2005. The spatial extension grew at a slower pace and

According to the observation of existing maps and plans (Figure 5), the extension to Kinkole phases that have characterized the spatial development of Kinshasa since its inception are

Born in the west to the Bay of Ngaliema, the city had its first developments to the east with the birth of the ancient cities (Kinshasa, Barumbu, Lingwala, Kintambo) and Gombe (formerly Kalina) in the late 1920s. From then the city grew to the south with the birth of new cities (Kasavubu and Ngiri-Ngiri) between 1930 and 1940. It was during the 1950s that the city took over the management of the east with the merger of Kalina (Leo West) and Leo. Compared to the town of 1959, we find that the city is much more extensive in the south, southwest and east (beyond the communes of Kimbanseke and Masina). Comparing the growth of map altitudes and landforms, we observe that Kinshasa was first extended in the plain corresponding to the extension of the Malebo pool and until independence in 1960 (Figure 6), the colonial authorities strictly prohibited constructions on the hills in the

After independence, the city expanded to the southwest on the plateau to the east and the

To the east, it extends the plain due to the narrow width of flat land in the east (Biyeye, 1997). Indeed, the extension behind the neighbourhoods Mpasa I, II, III and Mikonga did not take place because of steep slopes; this is how urban sprawl has moved beyond the city Kinkole.

To the west of the river Ndjili, areas of flat plains to the south are being built upon, urbanization covers steep slopes (Figure 7), but they are unfit for human settlement in the absence of appropriate management. Indeed, these areas of steep slopes are subject to

plains. For the period 1995-2005, the growth has continued in the same directions.

1981 (Table 5). This result confirms the observations of Bruneau (1994).

passes from 5.31% between 1960 and 1981 to 3.25% between 1981 and 2005.

510 km2.

Table 5. Population growth rate

**5.1.2 Urban growth and relief** 

absence of a particular development.

confirmed.

Fig. 5. Urban growth in Kinshasa from 1889 to 2005 (Source: historical maps collected by Johan Lagae, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ghent University)

The Mapping of the Urban Growth of Kinshasa (DRC)

Through High Resolution Remote Sensing Between 1995 and 2005 475

Fig. 7. Urbanization and slope (Source: Mathieu De Maeyer, IGEAT / ULB for the slope

map, unpublished)

Fig. 6. Urbanization and altitude (Source: Mathieu De MaeyerIGEAT / ULB to the DTM, unpublished)

Fig. 6. Urbanization and altitude (Source: Mathieu De MaeyerIGEAT / ULB to the DTM,

unpublished)

Fig. 7. Urbanization and slope (Source: Mathieu De Maeyer, IGEAT / ULB for the slope map, unpublished)

The Mapping of the Urban Growth of Kinshasa (DRC)

quoted.

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06080-7, Paris.

Through High Resolution Remote Sensing Between 1995 and 2005 477

up area. The average growth rate of built surface applied to the surface, built in 2005 to calculate the area built in 2009 revealed some significant errors with the figures regularly

In the future, a study could be carried out to understand the logic which pushes people to

Alphan H. (2003). Land use change and urbanization in Adana, Turkey, *Land Degradation* 

Biyeye Unzola E. (1997). Urbanisation de Kinshasa: la politique de la partie extrême

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Coppin P., Jonckheere I., Nackaerts K., Muys B. & Lambin E. (2004). Digital change detection

Delbart, V. & Wolff, E. (2002). Extension urbaine et densité de la population à Kinshasa:

Flouriot, J., De Maximy, R. & Pain, M. (1975). *Atlas de Kinshasa,* Institut Géographique

Guptad, N. & Munshi, M.K. (1985).Urban change detection and land-use mapping of Delhi, *International Journal of Remote Sensing*, Vol.6, No.3-4, pp. 529-534, ISSN 0143-1161. Haralick R.M., (1979). Statistical and structural approaches to texture, *Proceedings of the IEEE*,

Lelo Nzuzi, F. (2008). *Kinshasa, ville et environnement,* L'Harmattan, 275p, ISBN 978-2-296-

Moller-Jensen, L. (1990). Knowledge based classification of an urban area using texture an

Pain, M. (1978). Kinshasa : Ecologie et organisation urbaines. Thèse de doctorat, Université

Singh, A. (1986). Digital change detection techniques using remotely sensed data. *International Journal of Remote Sensing*, Vol.10, pp. 989-1003, ISSN 0143-1161. Tshibangu, K.W.T., Engels, P. & Malaisse, F. (1997). Evolution du couvert végétal de la région de Kinshasa (1960-1987), *Geo-Eco-Trop*, Vol.21, No.1-4, pp.95-103, Liège. Van Caillie X.D. (1990). Erodabilité des terrains sableux du Zaïre et contrôle de l'érosion,

*Remote Sensing*, Vol.56, No.6, pp. 899-904, ISSN 0099-1112.

*Cahier ORSTOM*, série Pédologie, vol. 25, No.1-2, pp. 197-208.

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orientale, Mémoire en Urbanisme et Aménagement, Université Libre de Bruxelles,

Actualisée, *Revue Belge de Géographie*, *Belgeo,* 119e année, N° spécial offert au

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occupy the steeply sloping zones where the problem of gully erosion is acute.

professeur H. Nicolaï, pp. 103-114, ISBN 1377-2368.

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de Toulouse le Mirail, 470 p+ Annexes.

significant risk of erosion as they are laid bare (Van Caillie, 1990, 1997). In addition, the plains downstream of these steep slopes are affected by floods because of silting. These areas contain steep slopes occupied by the poor. In the future, urbanization will continue to locate in areas of high slope, as is already happening in many places on the hillsides (Camping areas, Kindele, etc.).
