Building materials for low-income housing: Evidence of need for popular initiatives in Brazil

Abstract

This paper examines the findings of an investigation carried out to determine the uses and sources of building materials for low-income housing in a middle-sized Brazilian city. The discussion is placed within the context of the sustainability debate and the estimates and recommendations contained in the 1993 UNCHS report “Building Materials for Housing” 1 that apply to the Brazilian situation are explored. In essence, that report suggests that the supply-side forces are responsible for the phenomenon of inflationary pressure on the building materials sector. Meanwhile, the findings of the investigation carried out in Brazil indicate that there these forces have forged a mechanism of income concentration. As a result, it would be expected that the development of income redistributive and income generating activities could direct the institution of proper mechanisms of production and distribution of adequate building materials for popular housing. The possibilities of applying measures for the improvement of the existing situation and the sustainability of this progress in the Brazilian situation are discussed. Finally, alternatives, such as the establishment of self-managed co-operatives, are suggested.