The model street method: considering its suitability beyond poverty and sustainability into post-conflict settings

Abstract

Introduction: The model street method was developed in 2015 to provide a framework for delivering high-impact, low-cost, scalable  community health interventions for communities affected by poverty in Africa. Since then, the method has been adapted to other  contexts, including sustainable redevelopment of urban areas in Europe and North America. Therefore, the suitability of the model as a  template from which other contexts could benefit should be considered. Post-conflict settings have several features in common with  poverty settings, where this model has been well demonstrated as effective.

Method: The method involves physically transforming a community through improved neighbourhood infrastructure and design. The  aim is to improve the physical and psychological wellbeing of the residents. In its flagship project, residents of the deprived  neighbourhood Dandora (Kenya) achieved a significantly improved quality of life. The project was delivered over six stages across 18  months. These stages included field research, collaboration laboratories, community workshops, building parties, implementation, and launch.

Results: Key success measures included improvements in perceived safety and security of residents, and better livelihood  opportunities, relationships with authorities, play opportunities for children, and drainage and environmental quality. The results  achieved recognition in several international awards. The method has since been applied to other neighbourhoods in comparable settings, such as Cape Town, Accra, and Kampala. It has also been adapted successfully to settings other than poverty alleviation,  including its use in Europe and North America.

Conclusion: As a community health intervention method, it is low-cost, and its focus on  collaboration maximises suitability across a variety of contexts. However, there are unique features specific to post-conflict settings, so it  is recommended that the model street methods’ suitability for application in postconflict settings be further considered and investigated.