Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Characteristics of Informal Settlements:
* Lack of Legal Recognition: The land on which the settlement is built may be privately owned, government-owned, or even contested. The residents typically lack legal tenure, meaning they don't have official rights to the land.
* Unplanned Development: The settlement's infrastructure (housing, sanitation, water, electricity) develops organically without any official planning or regulation. This often results in overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate services.
* Substandard Housing: Homes are often makeshift structures built with cheap materials like corrugated iron or scrap wood, often lacking basic amenities like running water and electricity.
* Lack of Basic Services: Access to essential services like healthcare, education, and sanitation is typically limited or nonexistent.
* Poverty and Vulnerability: Informal settlements are often inhabited by people living in poverty who lack access to employment opportunities and social protection. They are often particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and other crises.
Causes of Informal Settlements:
* Rapid Urbanization: Rapid population growth in cities often outpaces the ability of authorities to provide adequate housing and infrastructure.
* Poverty and Inequality: Lack of affordable housing options forces many low-income individuals and families into informal settlements.
* Discrimination and Marginalization: Certain groups (e.g., migrants, ethnic minorities) may face discrimination and exclusion from formal housing markets, leading them to settle in informal areas.
* Lack of Land Tenure Security: Lack of secure land rights and access to legal land markets can lead to the development of informal settlements.
Challenges of Informal Settlements:
* Public Health Risks: Overcrowding and lack of sanitation can lead to the spread of diseases.
* Environmental Degradation: Informal settlements often lack proper waste management systems, contributing to environmental pollution.
* Social Exclusion: Residents of informal settlements often face social stigma and limited access to opportunities.
* Vulnerability to Displacement: Settlements can be demolished or relocated without proper consultation or compensation.
Addressing Informal Settlements:
* Formalization: Providing legal recognition and tenure security to residents.
* Upgrading: Improving infrastructure, housing, and services in existing settlements.
* Social Inclusion: Addressing the underlying causes of poverty and discrimination that contribute to the growth of informal settlements.
* Sustainable Urban Planning: Planning for inclusive and sustainable urban development that accommodates the needs of all residents.
It's important to remember that informal settlements are complex realities, and solutions require a nuanced approach that acknowledges the needs and rights of their residents.