Similar to many developing countries, Sudan is experiencing high and rapid
urbanization rates. The urban population of the country, as percentage of total
population, increased from 6.8% in 1950 to 40.8% in 2005 and estimated to be
74% by 2050 (UN, 2008b). Wars, conflicts, natural disasters and escaping
vulnerability are among the leading forces to the rapid growth in urbanization
rates in Sudan. Among many other urban agglomerations problems, the provision
of adequate and affordable housing forms the greatest challenge for governments
and concerned parties. Housing in the Sudan comprises, on average, of more
than 47% of the individuals' income.
The National Fund for Housing and Rehabilitation (NFHR) has been established
according to a presidential decision in 2008 in an attempt to solve the problems
of Housing in Sudan. In search for adequate and affordable housing based on
appropriate local building materials and technologies, the NFHR devoted much
of it resources to address the problems of the housing sector in Sudan. Research
institutes, professional associations and practitioners were invited to give their
suggestions and recommendations. Some demonstration models were developed
to show the appropriateness of each technology and the extent of its
affordability.
The purpose of this study is to carry out a comparative analysis between some of
these different technologies in terms of economical and environmental contexts
to fulfill the sustainability development requirements. The level of suitability of
these demonstrative models to the Sudan will be addressed and discussed.