Addressing Skill Gaps and Enhancing Productivity: The Role of Artisans in Sustainable Urban Development

This paper explores the critical role that artisans play in addressing skill gaps and enhancing productivity in sustainable urban development, particularly in developing countries. Artisans, who engage in manual trades such as carpentry, masonry, and plumbing, are pivotal in the construction of housing and infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing regions. Despite their significant contributions, they often operate within the informal economy, facing challenges such as limited access to formal education, modern technologies, and financial resources. These factors contribute to skill gaps, which impede both the quality of their work and the overall sustainability of urban development. The study investigates the socio-economic characteristics of artisans, their operational modes, and the factors affecting their utilization in urban construction projects. Through a review of existing literature, this paper highlights the importance of formalizing the artisanal sector and integrating artisans into formal urban planning processes. It also emphasizes the need for training, financial inclusion, and policy interventions to support the upskilling of artisans and improve their access to modern construction technologies. By addressing these challenges, artisans can play a more significant role in promoting sustainable urban development, particularly through the use of local, eco-friendly materials and traditional building techniques. The paper argues that closing the skill gaps among artisans will lead to improved productivity, better-quality infrastructure, and more sustainable urban environments. Ultimately, the study calls for comprehensive policy frameworks that recognize and support the contributions of artisans to the broader goals of sustainable urbanization.