Emergence and physical actualities of mixed socio-economic status Informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The cities in Tanzania as many other cities of the developing world are faced with challenges associated with informal land development. The informal housing sector is continuing to accommodate a high population of the urban dwellers. This paper discusses the formation and actualities of informal settlements focusing on those with a heterogeneous character. Through literature search, field research and experiences from stakeholders it was discovered that land transactions in informal settlements are mostly governed by social norms. Also it is revealed that informal settlements have become a solution to the housing problem not only for the poor but also for people of higher socio-economic status whereby the rich and the poor reside side by side each developing their land according to affordability. The resulting built environment shows a heterogeneous character which is composed of variety not only in the sizes of plots but also in the type of structures and building materials used during building construction. In order to intervene or to address effectively matters in mixed informal settlements it is important to first understand their nature and the forces behind their existence.

Keywords: urbanization, slums, built environment, land development, land transaction, heterogeneity