Training for the improvement of slums and squatter areas in urban and rural communities

Abstract

Training is one of the most effective vehicles for transformation and change. It is an essential element of the development process which touches almost every aspect of our efforts to improve the state of human settlements. It has emerged as one of the most cost-effective inputs, as it increases the effective use of scarce resources in appropriate manners. However, a number of deficiencies exist in the area of training which subdue the impact of this mechanism. The resulting shortage of skills, knowledge and awareness is a major barrier to human settlements development. This is not a problem restricted to one region or group of countries: it is a problem of international proportions.