Integrating Heritage Sites into Sustainable Urban Planning: A Case of Durbi Takusheyi for Tourism Development

Cultural heritage sites play a crucial role in preserving collective identity and supporting sustainable tourism, yet they are often marginalized in urban planning processes, particularly in rapidly urbanizing contexts of the Global South. This study examines Durbi Takusheyi, a prominent archaeological and cultural heritage site in Katsina State, Nigeria, to assess pathways for integrating heritage conservation into sustainable urban development. Drawing on policy analysis and field observations, the research identifies critical challenges, including fragmented institutional coordination, inadequate infrastructure, weak policy implementation, and limited community participation. The findings highlight the imperative for a heritage-led urban development framework anchored in adaptive reuse, inclusive governance, and cross-sectoral policy alignment. The study advocates for the application of UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach to enhance spatial resilience, promote cultural continuity, and stimulate tourism-based economic growth. These insights contribute to ongoing discourse on urban heritage management in sub-Saharan Africa and offer a replicable model for culturally responsive urban planning.