The Evolution of Slum Upgrading: Mainstream Approaches Used
The document titled “The Evolution of Slum Upgrading: Mainstream Approaches Used” by Ceverene Wanjiru Mureithi, submitted for a Master’s degree in Development Studies at Lund University, explores the issue of slums in urban areas, their growth, and the various approaches to slum upgrading.
Introduction
The introduction outlines the pressing issue of slums, which have proliferated due to rapid urbanization and migration from rural areas. The United Nations projects that by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas, exacerbating the slum crisis. Currently, regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia face significant challenges, with a substantial percentage of their urban populations living in slums. The author emphasizes that slum upgrading is essential for improving living conditions and integrating these communities into the urban fabric.
Context and Literature Review
This section provides a comprehensive overview of slums and slum upgrading. Slums are characterized by inadequate access to essential services like clean water and sanitation, poor housing quality, overcrowding, and insecure tenure. The literature suggests that various strategies have been employed to address slum conditions, ranging from demolition to in-situ upgrading—improving existing structures without displacing residents. The author highlights the importance of understanding these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.
Theoretical Framework
The thesis employs two theoretical frameworks: Trusteeship and the Capabilities Approach. Trusteeship focuses on the responsibility of authorities to manage resources for the benefit of marginalized populations. The Capabilities Approach emphasizes enhancing individuals’ abilities to lead fulfilling lives, suggesting that slum upgrading should empower residents rather than merely improving physical infrastructure.
Methodology
Mureithi outlines her methodology for data collection, which includes case studies from different countries—Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. Each case study illustrates distinct approaches to slum upgrading and provides insight into their successes and challenges. The criteria for selecting these cases focus on their relevance to understanding mainstream upgrading practices.
Case Studies
Maroko, Lagos, Nigeria
The Maroko case study examines a forced eviction approach where informal settlements were demolished without adequate resettlement plans. This led to significant displacement and social unrest among residents.
Zwelish, Durban, South Africa
In contrast, Zwelish represents a community-driven approach where local authorities collaborated with residents to improve infrastructure while allowing them to retain their homes. This method showed better outcomes in terms of community satisfaction and engagement.
Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
Kibera’s case highlights mixed results from various interventions. While some efforts focused on infrastructure improvement through partnerships with NGOs and international organizations, challenges such as political interference and inadequate funding hindered sustainable progress.
Results and Analysis
The analysis reveals common challenges across all approaches, including issues related to security of tenure, political dynamics, and community participation. The findings suggest that while top-down approaches often lead to displacement and dissatisfaction among residents, participatory methods tend to yield more favourable outcomes by fostering community ownership and involvement.
Mainstream Approaches in Slum Upgrading
- Integrated Neighborhood Upgrading:
- Programs now typically involve a combination of physical infrastructure improvements and social services aimed at enhancing overall living conditions. This holistic approach seeks not only to improve housing but also to foster economic opportunities and community development
- Participatory Planning:
- Successful slum upgrading increasingly relies on community participation in planning and implementation processes. Engaging residents ensures that interventions are relevant and effectively address local needs
- Legal Frameworks and Tenure Security:
- Ensuring legal recognition of land tenure is crucial for successful upgrading efforts. Secure land rights empower residents, enabling them to invest in their properties without fear of eviction
- Systematic Approaches:
- Recent strategies advocate for systematic city-wide or national slum upgrading programs that integrate slum interventions into broader urban development plans. This integration facilitates better resource allocation and coordination among various government departments
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mureithi asserts that effective slum upgrading requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts and the active participation of residents. The evolution of slum upgrading strategies reflects a shift from neglect and eviction towards more inclusive practices that recognize the rights and capabilities of slum dwellers. The study calls for continued research into innovative solutions that address the root causes of urban poverty while enhancing the living conditions of marginalized communities. Overall, this thesis contributes valuable insights into the complexities of slum upgrading and underscores the importance of integrating social equity into urban development policies.
Further reading:
Slum Upgrading beyond incubation: exploring the dilemmas of nation … tandfonline
Evaluation of Slum Upgrading Programs: Literature Review and … publications.iadb