Effective governance is typified by transparency, accountability, credibility, and stability of the governing body, as well as by the cooperative partnership of public sector, private sector, and civil society. In Africa today, good governance is central to the achievement of sustainable and equitable development. But Africa is rapidly urbanizing. Urban authorities must deal with the uncontrolled and unplanned movement of rural dwellers into the large urban centres, and the environmental monster it is creating: rampant urban waste, much of it toxic. Managing the Monster critically examines urban governance in Africa, with particular reference to the serious problems and challenges posed by waste management. It describes, compares, and appraises the situations in Abidjan, Dar es Salaam, Ibadan, and Johannesburg, characterizing typical forms of governance and their successes and failures in dealing with the critical problem of mounting urban waste. It will interest researchers,a cademics, and students in African studies and urban planning; donor organizations worldwide working on urban issues; policymakers, municipal engineers, city managers, and urban planners, especially in Africa; and environmental and civic NGOs.