Informal Settlements: The Intersection of Social Networks, Livelihoods, and the Built Environment in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra

Abstract

Major cities in sub-Saharan Africa grapple with a persistent issue: despite extensive efforts to tackle urban informality with policies and financial investments, informal settlements continue to proliferate. Moreover, residents relocated to formal developments often encounter ongoing challenges. Unfortunately, prevailing discourse oversimplifies urban informality as an affordable housing problem, leading policies to narrowly focus on affordable housing solutions. This research delves into the complexities of urban informality by exploring the role of social networks in shaping informal settlements. Three key questions are addressed: (1) How do social networks and livelihood activities influence the built environment of informal settlements? (2) What impact does this built environment have on residents' livelihoods? (3) How does resettlement affect social networks and livelihoods? Using mixed methods, six case studies in Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Accra are analyzed. These cities offer insights into longstanding informal settlements (control groups) and newly developed formal housing (treatment groups), with data collected through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with municipal officials. Findings reveal the overlooked significance of social networks in fostering a sense of place within informal settlements. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for crafting more effective urban policies and ultimately curbing the growth of informal settlements in sub-Saharan Africa.