On July 14, the Earth Observation Research Cluster (EORC) had the pleasure of hosting a stimulating lecture by Prof. Eberhard Rothfuß from the University of Bayreuth in collaboration with Dr. Axel Prestes Dürrnagel (University of Kaiserslautern-Landau). The lecture entitled “Revealing a ‘Life-World’ Perspective for the Global Urban South” offered deep methodological and empirical insights into the rural-urban interface of Maputo, Mozambique.

The lecture highlighted the rapid urbanization of sub-Saharan African cities and the associated expansion of peri-urban areas. Prof. Rothfuß critically examined how post-colonial planning practices often overlook the reality of life for the peri-urban population. Using a ‘lifeworld’ approach rooted in sociological phenomenology, the lecture emphasized the importance of understanding everyday experiences and practices as a basis for more inclusive urban planning.

Following their lecture, the speakers Eberhard Rothfuß and Axel Prestes Dürrnagel were available for discussion with the audience.

EORC would like to thank Prof. Rothfuß and his colleagues for their valuable contributions and for sharing their important research findings with our community. The EORC would also like to thank all listeners in the audience for their participation.