Social Exclusion and Survival Strategies among Slum Dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Social exclusion remains the most visible expressions of slum settlements. This study investigates the expression of social exclusion and survival strategies among slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. A merger of Burgess’ concentric zone model and conflict theory formed the theoretical orientation for this study. Data were gathered through triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods. In all, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 400 respondents and 10 in-depth interviews were conducted among residents in Bere slum. Among others, lack of access to formal employment (98.0%), modern health care facilities (91.0%), consultation of government officials to know needs (92.2%), adequate shelter (100%), were the most mentioned challenges. Major survival strategies adopted were hawking, child labour, prostitution, stealing and gambling. Also, due to a lack of modern health care services in the area, self-medication (61.0%), traditional method of treatment (27.5%), and faith healing (11.5%) were most mentioned strategies adopted to cope with health challenges in the area. This paper therefore concludes that social inclusion of slum inhabitants in all government welfare services and decision making process should be advocated, as a means of reducing the rates of poverty and crime in Ibadan.