The dynamics of peri-urban expansion in sub-saharan africa: implications for sustainable development in Nigeria and Ghana

Peri-urban land use is diverse and rapidly expanding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is characterised by haphazard development and unplanned land, which has become a significant global preoccupation due to environmental challenges. The issue of PUAs in sub-Saharan Africa has dramatically concerned many scholars and stakeholders, including city authorities and professionals in urban planning and management. This study evaluates the differences and similarities in the trends and consequences of the spread of SSA peri-urban areas (PUAs), focusing on Nigeria and Ghana. The urban–rural linkages and flows provided the theoretical background for the study. The study solely relied on secondary data through the desktop methodology to obtain specific data on development, sustainable development, peri-urban areas (PUAs), urbanisation, and urban expansion in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, from databases such as Google, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Mendeley. Other sources consulted intermittently for necessary information were relevant books, conferences, working papers, and reports from global organisations. The study found that the expansion of PUAs in Nigeria and Ghana is not at the same level due to different population sizes. The study also found that the reasons for PUA expansion in Nigeria are not similar to those in Ghana. To enhance sustainable growth, the study recommended that the government or city authorities take over the lands on the urban fringes and design a plan that includes the road networks and other specified purposes for the land. This will guide against the spread of disorganised and unplanned neighbourhoods currently experienced in both countries. © The Author(s) 2025.