Residents Of Informal Settlements Research Articles

Quality of life among residents of informal urban settlements during the COVID-19 pandemic in Salvador, Brazil

BackgroundDisadvantaged populations, especially those living in rural and informal settlements, constitute the most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited information on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL)...

Sensitivity of insectivorous bat foraging guilds to urbanization and implications for sustainable development

Substantial urban expansion is expected in global biodiversity hotspots over the next decade, especially in Asia. One such hotspot is Sulawesi, Indonesia, which hosts a diverse array of wild mammals, including bats. While urbanization may threaten some bats, species are not uniformly sensitive to urbanization. Many bat species’ sensitivity to urbanization is associated with their foraging strategies (or foraging guild), but information from Asia, generally, is severely lacking. Here we address this knowledge gap regarding urban sensitivity among insectivorous, echolocating bats within the context of urban informal settlements around the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi. Globally and in Makassar, informal settlements often exist on the fringe of cities, forming an urban-undeveloped land interface. Consequently, they may present opportunities to support conservation for some bats, given a growing focus on nature-based sustainable development solutions to improve the lives of informal settlement residents. We examined how, among informal settlements across Makassar, relative activity of bat sonotypes (in lieu of taxonomic species) from different foraging guilds was related to environmental factors associated with urban expansion. We found bat activity was influenced by processes interacting across multiple spatial scales ranging from the landscape- (e.g., spatial location relative to dense development in the urban core) to local-level (e.g., particular environmental features within 500 m). Broadly, we found some foraging guilds had lower overall relative activity, as well lower activity within the urban core compared to the peri-urban zone, indicating differential sensitivity to urbanization among Makassar’s bats that matches findings elsewhere. However, intensity of both urban and peri-urban informal settlement habitat use by particular bats was driven by a combination of landscape- and local-scale features. At the local scale, tree cover and inland water area frequently influenced sonotype activity in settlements, including urban core habitat use by urban-sensitive bats. Our work demonstrates that, especially if coordinated across broader spatial scales, local nature-based upgrades in informal settlements incorporating diverse green and blue spaces have the potential to enhance suitability of urban zones for both bats and for people.

국·공유지를 점유한 무허가 정착지의 이주대책 중요 요인에 대한 전문가와 주민 간 비교 분석

This study aims to analyze the important factors of relocation strategies for informal settlements occupying national and communal lands. Using the Delphi technique and AHP analysis model, this study derived the importance and priority of 3 major factors and 12 sub-factors, and the results of comparative analysis between experts and residents are as follows. First, in the case of major factors, the priority of experts appeared in the order of institutional factors, economic factors, and project implementation factors, and the priority of residents was derived in the order of economic factors, institutional factors, and project implementation factors. Second, among the sub-factors of economic factors, experts showed that the payment of compensation is the most important factor, and residents derived the factor of compensation and arrears resolution as the most important. In the case of institutional factors, both experts and residents selected the factor of legislation and system establishment as the most important factor, but experts selected the installation of a dedicated department as the second priority, and residents judged the legal representative system as the second priority. In the case of project implementation factors, both experts and residents judged the transparent project factor as the most important factor. This study compared and analyzed the important factors of relocation strategies not only for experts but also for actual residents of informal settlements, and it can be seen that this provided effective policy implications for reducing gaps between subjects when establishing relocation strategies.

국·공유지를 점유한 무허가 정착지의 이주대책 중요 요인에 대한 전문가와 주민 간 비교 분석

This study aims to analyze the important factors of relocation strategies for informal settlements occupying national and communal lands. Using the Delphi technique and AHP analysis model, this study derived the importance and priority of 3 major factors and 12 sub-factors, and the results of comparative analysis between experts and residents are as follows. First, in the case of major factors, the priority of experts appeared in the order of institutional factors, economic factors, and project implementation factors, and the priority of residents was derived in the order of economic factors, institutional factors, and project implementation factors. Second, among the sub-factors of economic factors, experts showed that the payment of compensation is the most important factor, and residents derived the factor of compensation and arrears resolution as the most important. In the case of institutional factors, both experts and residents selected the factor of legislation and system establishment as the most important factor, but experts selected the installation of a dedicated department as the second priority, and residents judged the legal representative system as the second priority. In the case of project implementation factors, both experts and residents judged the transparent project factor as the most important factor. This study compared and analyzed the important factors of relocation strategies not only for experts but also for actual residents of informal settlements, and it can be seen that this provided effective policy implications for reducing gaps between subjects when establishing relocation strategies.

Green infrastructure inequalities in informal settlements

A growing number of cities are turning to green infrastructure as a way to manage climate change, nature recovery and unsustainable development. Although such an approach has been at the centre of thinking about development in many cities in the global North, there have been few interventions in cities of the global South. Only recently have scholars paid attention to how uneven land-use regulations in greening approaches toward informal settlements can exacerbate inequalities and result in green gentrification, residents' displacement and the relocation of informal communities. Eviction policies and the relocation of informal settlements have been justified by planning authorities under the banner of ecological improvement and climate adaptation. However, the eviction and replacement policies are often resisted by the residents of informal settlements. This paper builds upon and extends this nascent bank of knowledge by mobilising the conflicting rationalities framework to illustrate how green interventions conventionally are framed as a ‘win-win’ can exacerbate inequitable urban redevelopments, leading to exclusion and conflict. The paper qualitatively examines a case of greening plans in an informal settlement in Tehran metropolitan area, Iran. Thus, it also provides knowledge on a context that has received comparatively scant coverage in the academic literature on urban greening.

Shaping the perception of flood risk among residents of riverbank informal settlements in Kathmandu

The aim of the study is to investigate how riverbank informal settlement residents in Kathmandu perceive flood risk. The way they perceive flood risk influences their response to flood impacts and their adaptation measures. Their responses and initiatives to reduce flood risk are important because they are less likely to receive support from the government as they are considered illegal residents. Studies on perceptions of hazard risk in informal settlements are rare. This study contributes to fill this gap. The study explores factors influencing the flood risk perception through 40 semi-structured interviews from three riverbank informal settlements situated along the Bagmati River, the largest river running through Kathmandu. Thematic analysis of the interviews identified various factors influencing perception of flood risk. The study reveals that flood risk perception among informal settlement residents is shaped by flood impacts such as life-threatening experiences, property damage, and effects on health and livelihood, along with residents’ awareness of flooding dynamics and realisation of vulnerabilities due to their socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, a sense of solidarity among residents fosters bonding social capital, influencing their flood risk perception. The findings benefit various stakeholders by providing guidance for collaboration with informal settlement residents to work towards flood risk reduction. The results underscore the need for governments to view informal settlements not solely as illegal entities, but as areas facing substantial challenges from flood impacts and taking appropriate measures to address these challenges.

Persuasive Communication Factors and Their Effect on COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Amongst Residents of the Informal Urban Settlement in Kenya

Despite the immense resources and intensified interventions by the government and the international community, the desired uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Kenya has not been commendable. Hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine remains high among the Kenyan population. Misconception and negative publicity have widely affected vaccine uptake. Since the vaccine is now readily available in the country’s private and public health facilities, it is critical to convince those hesitant to take it. Persuasive communication plays a critical role in the messaging framework during a public health crisis. They mostly rely on various communication channels, communication sources, and messaging structures to convey the public health message at different levels and to various targets. Given the expansive information environment, we sought to characterize the use of persuasive communication factors for COVID-19 vaccine information and determine their effect on vaccine acceptance. This study evaluated persuasive communication factors and their effect on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among residents of informal urban settlements in Kenya. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in the informal urban settlement of Kibera. Data was collected using a structured pretested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Demographic variables were analyzed and presented using means and proportions. The results indicated that trustworthiness/expertise (β = 0.175, p = 0.001), attractiveness/likability (β = 0.120, p = 0.009), and familiarity/similarity (β = 0.165, p = 0.001) significantly affected the likelihood of vaccine acceptance. Message factors such as factual/logical appeals (β = 0.829, p = 0.000) significantly and positively affected the likelihood of vaccination. Channel factors such as interactivity (β = 0.439, p = 0.000) and decidability (β = 0.287, p = 0.019) significantly positively affected the likelihood of vaccination. The study found that trustworthiness/expertise, attractiveness/likability, familiarity/similarity, factual/logical appeals, interactivity, and decidability significantly affect vaccine acceptance. These findings can inform policymakers, public health professionals, and communication experts on effective communication strategies to enhance vaccine uptake in informal urban settlements.

Support needs of survivors of violence against women in urban India: a prospective analysis of client records

Background Violence against women harms individuals, communities, and society. Supporting survivors requires a combination of skills and resources and involvement of multiple institutions. We aimed to document the range of responses that a counselling service should be able to provide, based on direct experience of working with survivors predominantly from urban informal settlements. Methods At non-government counselling centres in Mumbai, we analysed unlinked electronic records collected by counsellors supporting survivors of violence. We examined how women knew of the services, how they described their concerns, what they said they expected, and what was provided. We quantified the proportions of clients who required crisis intervention, police action, legal input, and medical, psychological and psychiatric support. Results Counsellors met with 2278 women clients in 2019, almost half of whom had been encouraged to attend through community outreach. Clients described intimate partner violence (37%), domestic violence by a family member other than their partner (22%), or both (27%). Common forms of violence reported were emotional (88%), economic (73%), and physical (71%); 68% of clients reported episodes of neglect, 59% of coercive control, and 36% of sexual violence, while 77% had survived three or more forms of violence. Over a median seven consultations, 32% required crisis intervention, 31% home visits from counsellors, and 17% legal support; 13% saw a clinical psychologist, 7% were assisted in consulting the police, and 5% required medical care. Discussion Demand for services was substantial at 200 new clients each month. Key concerns for counsellors were coping with this heavy workload, skills in responding to women’s experience of multiple forms of violence and their desire to stay in relationships, skills in emotional support, ability to undertake and act on risk and mental health assessment, and effective engagement with health, police, and legal services. Future work Counsellors need to take a systematic approach to interacting with survivors of violence that covers all the considerations and activities needed in order of priority. We have developed a package of guidelines to meet this requirement, including trauma-informed counselling and mental health assessment and support (https://garima.snehamumbai.org/). Limitations The record system may have been subject to errors in data entry or systematic differences between counsellor choices, with the possibility of over- or under-identification of need and different counsellors’ propensities for and choices of referral. The spectrum of concerns relates to women residents of urban informal settlements, and we should be cautious about their application to other populations. Funding This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Research programme as award number 17/63/47. A plain language summary of this research article is available on the NIHR Journals Library Website https://doi.org/10.3310/LKNH2423.

Socioeconomic inequality in unmet outpatient healthcare needs among people living in urban informal settlements in Sanandaj city, Iran

BackgroundThe growing trend of informal settlements is a serious humanitarian crisis. Unmet need for health care services is an indicator to measure the state of equality and access to healthcare services. This study, for the first time in Iran, examined the prevalence of unmet needs for outpatient healthcare services and related socioeconomic inequalities among residents of informal settlements in Sanandaj city.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on informal settlements of Sanandaj city with a sample size of 1345 people. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of unmet needs for healthcare services. Concentration index (C) and concentration curve (CC) were calculated to measure inequality in the prevalence of unmet needs for healthcare services.ResultsThe prevalence of unmet needs for outpatient healthcare services was 31.7%. Financial and physical barriers were the most common reasons for not using the needed services. The highest unmet need was related to dental (80.6%) and rehabilitation services (78.8%). Being elderly with about 2.3 times (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.19–4.75), not having a job with about 1.7 times (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.13–2.57) and having a low economic status with about 4 times (OR: 4.46, 95% CI: 2.39–9.70) increased the odds of experiencing unmet need for outpatient healthcare services. The value of concentration index showed that unmet need for outpatient healthcare services was significantly concentrated among people with lower economic status (C= -0.330, 95% CI: -0.432 to -0.227).ConclusionThe unmet need is high among people living in informal settlements of Sanandaj city and a significant part of the residents of these settlements does not have access to required healthcare services. Regardless of the needs of people living in these settlements, who constitute a large population of Iran, access to universal health coverage is not possible in such areas. Removing the identified obstacles and causes behind the unmet needs requires the interdisciplinary participation of all actors, including the government, the nation, and civil society.

Self-organization for community resilience in an invisible agricultural community

This study investigates how self-organizing efforts by residents of informal settlements, primarily migrant and informal farmworkers, shape community resilience in Majes, a water-scarce irrigation district in the Atacama Desert of Peru. We collected 45 semi-structured interviews with residents and authorities in Majes and analyzed findings through a framework of self-organizing. Analyses revealed that self-organizing by residents of informal settlements incorporated the three components of White’s theory of Community Agency and Community Resilience, which contends that marginalized communities increase resilience by fostering a commons praxis, practicing a prefigurative politics, and developing opportunities for economic autonomy. We also found that residents self-organized into associations to increase access to resources, resulting in increased resilience. However, certain fees, corruption, and undemocratic decision-making processes can be detrimental to self-organizing. Results expand existing theories of self-organization and community resilience by highlighting how residents of informal settlements in agricultural spaces collectively organize to increase their resilience. Findings also begin to reframe narratives that describe migrants and farmworkers as powerless in the face of water scarcity, climate change, and other social-ecological risks.

Evaluation of energy generation potential from municipal solid waste in the North-West province, South Africa

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is rapidly becoming a severe environmental problem worldwide. Developing countries, especially African cities, are the most affected due to inadequate resources to cope with increasing magnitude and complexity of the waste generated as well as the scarcity of land for disposal. As such, strategies which include waste- to-energy (WtE) generation to recover the potent energy from municipal waste could be a better option. This study sought to determine the sustainability of WtE projects for energy access to off-grid residents in the North-West province, South Africa. The study used a quantitative research design coupled with field observations and measurement of elements of the waste chain to generate primary data sets. The information was supplemented by secondary datasets on waste information and waste management at local municipalities. Results revealed that some of the classes of waste have the optimum calorific values and moisture content for WtE. The eligibility of a waste class to be used in WtE generation projects is dependent on the quantities generated. The results also indicate that using paper as fuel in the 240 tonnes/day WtE technology would cover more days of operation than plastics and rubber. Based on the 2020 estimated waste quantities, paper would last 234 days of generating about 6,944 GWh while plastics would last 177 days with energy output of 5, 207 GWh. Waste quantities generated in the North-West province could contribute to sustainable energy access to the off-grid informal settlement residents and advance waste management options through WtE. This study contributes to the literature on renewable energy and waste management in the context of green energy in South Africa.

Canonical Correlation in Modeling Short Term Expenditure versus Poverty Levels in Informal Settlements :

Populations in informal settlements grapple with poor living conditions and inability to access quality education. Expenditure behaviour especially on short term basis is one of the major causes of poverty as majority live from hand to mouth and not in position to provide their children with education. This study applied canonical correlation used in a wide range of disciplines to analyse the relationship between short term expenditure and poverty levels. The main objective was to establish the relationship between short term expenditure and poverty levels among residents of informal settlements, assess the impact of this behaviour on education and propose possible mitigation strategies to the problem. Results indicate that people in informal settlements spend as much as they earn or even more on short term basis. Therefore, they cannot save for projects, invest and educate their children. This keeps the families in unending circus of poverty in all generations.

Qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on the food environment of urban informal settlements of Dhaka, Bangladesh

ObjectiveOur study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food environment from the perspective of the urban poor and food vendors.DesignThis was a qualitative study conducted during September...

Improving Equity in Urban Immunization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Document Review.

As the world continues to urbanize, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, understanding the barriers and effective interventions to improve urban immunization equity is critical to achieving both Immunization Agenda 2030 targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. Approximately 25 million children missed one or more doses of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine in 2021 and it is estimated that close to 30% of the world's children missing the first dose of DTP, known as zero-dose, live in urban and peri-urban settings. The aim of this research is to improve understanding of urban immunization equity through a qualitative review of mixed method studies, urban immunization strategies and funding proposals across more than 70 urban areas developed between 2016 and 2020, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. These research studies and strategies created a body of evidence regarding the barriers to vaccination in urban settings and potential interventions relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a focus on the vaccination of urban poor, populations of concern and residents of informal settlements. Through the document review we identified common challenges to achieving equitable coverage in urban areas and mapped proposed interventions. We identified 70 documents as part of the review and categorized results across (1) social determinants of health, (2) immunization service-delivery barriers and (3) quality of services. Barriers and solutions identified in the documents were categorized in these thematic areas, drawing information from results in more than 21 countries. Populations of concern such as migrants, refugees, residents of informal settlements and the urban poor face barriers to accessing care which include poor availability and quality of service. Example solutions proposed to these challenges include tailored delivery strategies, improved use of digital data collection and child-friendly services. More research is required on the efficacy of the proposed interventions identified and on gender-specific dynamics in urban poor areas affecting equitable immunization coverage.

Identifying, Measuring, and Ranking Social Determinants of Health for Health Promotion Interventions Targeting Informal Settlement Residents.

Considering the importance of social determinants of health (SDHs) in promoting the health of residents of informal settlements and their diversity, abundance, and breadth, this study aimed to identify, measure, and rank SDHs for health promotion interventions targeting informal settlement residents in a metropolitan area in Iran. Using a hybrid method, this study was conducted in 3 phases from 2019 to 2020. SDHs were identified by reviewing studies and using the Delphi method. To examine the SDHs among informal settlement residents, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted using researcher-made questionnaires. Multilayer perceptron analysis using an artificial neural network was used to rank the SDHs by priority. Of the 96 determinants identified in the first phase of the study, 43 were examined, and 15 were identified as high-priority SDHs for use in health-promotion interventions for informal settlement residents in the study area. They included individual health literacy, nutrition, occupational factors, housing-related factors, and access to public resources. Since identifying and addressing SDHs could improve health justice and mitigate the poor health status of settlement residents, ranking these determinants by priority using artificial intelligence will enable policymakers to improve the health of settlement residents through interventions targeting the most important SDHs.

The determinants of sustained adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Lebanon has battled the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of an economic crisis. The evolution of the pandemic and a fragile health system have meant that public health policy has had to rely heavily on non-pharmaceutical interventions for disease control. However, changes in disease dynamics, an unraveling economy, and pandemic fatigue have meant that disease control policies need to be updated. Using recent and timely data on older (50 years and above) Syrian refugees in Lebanon, this paper uses multivariate linear probability models to explore the determinants of adherence to two non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 prevention measures (wearing a mask and avoiding social gatherings) among this high-risk subgroup in a vulnerable population. Among respondents who report adhering to these measures, the paper also investigates the determinants of sustained adherence over a period of 6 months. The findings suggest that no individual-level characteristics were robustly associated with mask wearing. For avoiding social gatherings, education was inversely associated with adherence to this preventive measure. Avoiding social gatherings was also significantly lower for residents of informal tented settlements (ITSs). Among initial adherents, and for both preventive practices, ITS dwellers were also significantly less likely to maintain adherence. Identifying variables associated with adherence to non-pharmaceutical preventive practices, particularly for vulnerable groups, can help inform and refine interventions in the face of changing conditions. The material, physical, administrative and socio-economic constraints of life in an ITS suggest that avoiding social gatherings is hardly feasible. Yet despite the challenging conditions of ITSs, the indication to wear a mask is initially complied with, suggesting that tailoring policies to the limits and constrains of context can lead to successful outcomes even in very adverse settings.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Challenges in Informal Settlements in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study.

Diarrhea causes 1.6 million deaths annually, including 525,000 children. Further, chronic diarrhea puts children at risk for mineral deficiencies, malnutrition, and stunting which, in turn, can result in cognitive deficits, poor performance in school, and decreased disease immunity in adulthood. Most diarrhea is caused by water contaminated by fecal matter. Interventions to improve clean water and sanitation can save lives; however, challenges persist in informal settlements. In this study, we explored the views of residents of informal settlements regarding water and sanitation in their communities. Focus group interviews were conducted with residents of 6 informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda (n = 165 people), and 6 key informant interviews were conducted with governmental and nongovernmental organizations that work to improve informal settlements or provide services to them. The results from this study demonstrate that, although these informal settlements had many infrastructure "upgrades" such as latrines and toilets, water taps, wells, and garbage collection and drainage systems, the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) system and its components largely failed due to point-of-use charges of water taps and toilets and the difficulty of emptying cesspits. Our results suggest that WASH must be considered a system and that multiple upgrading efforts are needed for WASH systems to work, including road construction and better oversight of fecal sludge disposal.

How to Enhance Energy Services in Informal Settlements? Qualitative Comparison of Renewable Energy Solutions

More than half of the urban population of Sub-Saharan Africa lives in informal housing conditions. While urban areas are, in general, characterized by a high electrification rate, residents of informal settlements are still affected by energy poverty, the use of traditional energy sources and unreliable electricity supply. The aim of the study is to give an overview of different renewable-energy-based solutions which are able to improve local energy provision. These are Solar Home Systems, Mini-Grids, and Energy-Hubs. The technologies are compared to another option for improving energy supply, namely Grid Expansion. The analysis is based on 24 Key Performance Indicators, which can be classified into technical, economic, environmental, social, and political dimensions. The selection of indicators is based on the challenges prevalent in informal settlements that impede a comprehensive, sustainable energy supply. The literature-based indices are used to determine which of the four technologies is a suitable solution for minimizing the challenges prevailing in informal settlements. The resulting matrix provides a holistic comparison and serves as a decision aid in selecting the appropriate technology for future projects in informal settlements, depending on local conditions and the needs of the population. The results show that the Energy-Hub is a valid alternative for energy supply improvement in Informal Settlements.

On informal housing supply restrictions and livelihood in informal settlements: Implications for sustainable development

AbstractLand use restrictions can curtail housing supply and lead to increased costs of accommodation, which can have adverse effects on livelihood among low‐income groups and thereby compromise sustainable development. However, limited studies have investigated housing supply restrictions in informal housing markets. To address this knowledge‐gap, this article analyzes a range of indicators of livelihood among residents of informal settlements and informal housing supply restrictions in Maputo, Mozambique and Nairobi, Kenya. The findings underscore that informal urban development is restricted to a far higher extent and livelihood in informal settlements is considerably more compromised in Nairobi compared to Maputo, despite that wages are higher in Nairobi and geographic factors likely curtail urban development to a higher extent in Maputo. The empirical evidence and economic theory reviewed in this article consistently indicate that antagonistic approaches to informal urban development in cities with large segments of the population financially excluded from the formal housing markets have comparable consequences to land use restrictions guiding formal urban development. Namely, that informal land users pay a price premium for basic shelter in such contexts due to the increased pressure on the housing markets and risk of loss of investments through forced evictions. On this basis, the article argues that unless viable legal housing alternatives are available, repressive approaches to informal urban development should be abolished while less restrictive standards for building and planning regulation should be adopted to expand provision of affordable legal accommodation and thereby enhance sustainable development.

NGOs, CBOs, and the contested politics of community-driven development in urban informal settlements

ABSTRACT Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in an informal settlement in Dhaka, this article examines the relationships, contestations and negotiations of power and control between non-government organizations (NGO), community-based organizations (CBO) and local leaders in the context of community-driven development (CDD) interventions. Findings suggest a shift in informal settlement residents’ perceptions and attitudes toward NGOs and CDD interventions where the previously documented distrust and lack of interest has changed to a more general interest to participate largely to draw on the power and influence in the community that CBO membership offers. Moreover, findings demonstrate how contestations and negotiations of power and control play out at various stages of engagement between NGOs, CBOs, and local leaders. These findings have important implications for international development practice, particularly for CDD, as they can contribute to addressing some of the current criticisms of the approach.