Institutional roles in enhancing assets adaptation of urban poor

Abstract

Population growth has increased the number of informal settlements and unplanned structures within the urban areas. Most often, the urban poor suffer since they are found within urban slums with poor facilities. Even though government institutions are expected to develop assets within the urban areas, other institutions such as the Civil Society Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, and traditional authorities can play certain roles to complement government efforts in this direction. However, studies into the roles of these institutions in enhancing the assets of the urban poor such as human, social, physical, financial, and natural have received less attention. To address this literature gap, this study employed the explanatory mixed-method approach to investigate the topic in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, and Sagnerigu Municipality in Ghana. The study reveals that the roles played by the government and other institutions are inadequate and target different assets whilst the urban poor are interested in other assets. The urban poor believe that they are vulnerable and need support from various institutions to enhance their assets. Traditional authorities’ roles are by mere consultation which can impede the development of assets for the urban poor. The study recommends that these institutions increase their commitment and collaborate with urban residents to enhance the assets adaptation to achieve the sustainable cities agenda. The study provides guidelines for policymakers, public and private institutions towards assets enhancement and adds to the limited literature on assets adaptation for the urban poor.