معرفی
Godwin Arku is a Professor at the Department of Geography and Environment at Western University, holding the title of Western Faculty Scholar. His research focuses on regional economic development policy, urban development, immigrant integration, and global development challenges. He has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students, guiding their research on topics ranging from climate resilience in Ghana to housing experiences of caregivers in Canada. His work frequently addresses policy implementation gaps and urban transformation in Global South contexts, with a particular emphasis on Africa.
Arku has contributed extensively to academic discourse through over 100 publications in journals such as Urban Affairs Review, Journal of Urban Affairs, and Canadian Geographer. His collaborative projects often examine how local governments navigate crises like plant closures and pandemics, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in economic resilience. He co-leads research initiatives on SDG localization in Ghana, migration impacts, and climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities.
Notable areas of contribution include:
- Urban policy analysis in Accra and Harare
- Climate change resilience among smallholder farmers
- Integration challenges for live-in caregivers in Ontario
- Rights of street vendors in African cities
- Reconceptualizing immigrant integration frameworks
His teaching portfolio includes courses on Economic Geography, Urban Development, and Global Urban Issues, reflecting his commitment to linking academic theory with policy practice. Arku's work bridges multiple disciplines, consistently emphasizing the intersection of spatial politics, economic dynamics, and human well-being in development contexts.
