A Future That Low-Income Urban Dwellers Want

The paper “A Future That Low-Income Urban Dwellers Want, and Can Help Secure” by David Satterthwaite and Diana Mitlin, published by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), explores the critical role of urban poor groups and their organizations in achieving significant reductions in urban poverty. It emphasizes that urban dwellers, particularly those in low-income communities, must be central to the design and implementation of poverty reduction initiatives. The paper draws on various case studies and initiatives from around the world to illustrate how community-driven processes can lead to sustainable and inclusive urban development.

The authors argue that urban poverty can only be significantly reduced when urban poor groups and their organizations influence to shaping of local and national government policies. These groups bring unique insights and capabilities that are essential for effective poverty reduction. For instance, the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) and Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI) are highlighted as examples of networks that have successfully catalyzed community-driven initiatives to address housing, land tenure, and basic services. These initiatives not only improve living conditions but also empower urban dwellers to negotiate with local governments for further resources and support.

The paper outlines several strategies for reducing urban poverty, emphasizing the need for universal access to good quality basic services such as water, sanitation, health care, and education. It critiques the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for setting targets that leave many in need unaddressed and calls for more ambitious and inclusive goals. The authors advocate for a shift from viewing basic services as market opportunities to recognizing them as fundamental rights for all urban dwellers.

Community-driven initiatives are highlighted as a key mechanism for addressing urban poverty. These initiatives often involve local savings groups, community-managed enumerations, and collaborative projects with local governments. For example, the Asian Coalition for Community Action (ACCA) has supported over 950 community-led projects in 165 cities across 19 nations. These projects not only improve local conditions but also build the capacity of urban dwellers to engage in larger-scale development efforts.

The paper discusses the importance of innovative financing mechanisms that support community-driven initiatives. It highlights the role of community savings and credit groups, which provide a sustainable source of funding for local projects. The ACCA program, for instance, provides small grants and loans to communities, enabling them to undertake upgrading projects and negotiate with local governments for additional resources. This approach contrasts with conventional donor-funded initiatives, which often struggle to achieve similar outcomes due to their bureaucratic nature.

Local governments play a crucial role in supporting urban poverty reduction efforts. The paper emphasizes the need for strong partnerships between local governments and urban poor groups. Effective local governance can facilitate inclusive development by ensuring that basic services reach all urban dwellers, regardless of their income or housing status. The authors argue that local governments must be accountable to urban poor groups and support their initiatives through policy changes and resource allocation.

Despite the progress made by community-driven initiatives, several challenges remain. These include limited support from international aid agencies and development banks, as well as the need for more effective engagement with local governments. The paper calls for a rethinking of development assistance, focusing on direct support to urban poor groups and their organizations. It also highlights the potential for climate change adaptation funding to support urban poverty reduction efforts, provided that these funds are directed towards community-driven initiatives.

The paper concludes that achieving significant reductions in urban poverty requires a collaborative approach that centers on the needs and priorities of urban poor groups. By supporting community-driven initiatives and fostering strong partnerships with local governments, development agencies can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable urban development. The authors urge policymakers and development practitioners to recognize the agency and capabilities of urban dwellers and to support their efforts to build a future that they desire and can help secure.