A.

Challenges of the Informal Settlements in Developing Countries’ Cities: A

Case Study of Iran

Brief Summary
According to Tilaki, Mohammad Javad Magshoodi (2011), The rapid rise of
urban populations, particularly around major cities, has led to the formation of
informal settlements on the outskirts of many developing countries. This has also
been a significant challenge for Iranian cities, which have seen their share of
unequal development due to these settlements. Since the 1960s, the Iranian
government has attempted to address this issue, but their efforts haven't yielded
lasting solutions. This study delves into the reasons behind this failure, identifying
two key shortcomings: a lack of comprehensive national policy for providing
affordable housing and development in less-developed regions, and inefficiencies in
effectively managing both rural and urban areas. These inefficiencies hinder the
government's ability to effectively tackle the challenges posed by informal
settlements.

Salient Points and Features

As cities in developing nations like Iran grow rapidly, people are pushed to the
edges, creating informal settlements. These settlements make existing problems of
inequality even worse. The government has been trying to fix this since the 1960s,
but they haven't been successful. This is partly because there's no big-picture plan
for affordable housing and helping poorer regions develop. Also, the management of
both rural and city areas is disorganized, making it hard to find solutions.

Relatedness and Significance

The rapid rise of urban populations, a trend seen globally but particularly impactful in
developing countries, is a significant factor behind the growth of informal
settlements. This phenomenon is evident not only in Iranian cities but also closer to
home, in places like Payatas, Philippines. These settlements, often located on the
fringes of urban areas, become breeding grounds for inequality due to limited access
to resources and infrastructure. While governments, like those in Iran, have
attempted to address this issue for decades, their efforts are often hampered by a
lack of comprehensive national policies on affordable housing and development in
less fortunate regions. Additionally, inefficiencies in managing both rural and urban
areas further hinder progress. The Iranian case study, although specific to that
country, sheds light on the broader challenges faced by informal settlers around the
world, including those residing in Payatas. By understanding these commonalities,
we can strive towards developing more effective solutions to tackle this complex
issue and ensure everyone has access to safe and adequate housing.

B. Informal Settlements in Addis Ababa: Extent, Challenges and Measures

Taken

Brief Summary

Accoring to Abagissa, Jemal (2019) Addis Ababa's rapid growth has spurred
the unauthorized construction of "squatter settlements," which continue to expand
despite government efforts. New housing in existing settlements and unoccupied
areas contributes to their increasing number and size. This study aims to assess the
extent of these settlements, the challenges they pose, and measures taken to
address them. Analyzing secondary data revealed that while regulations were
implemented to prevent illegal construction, their proliferation continued unabated.
Consequently, demolitions were carried out in some areas. However, the city
administration encountered challenges in both regulation enforcement and
demolitions, including the allure of illegal construction, population pressure, weak law
enforcement, and inefficient institutions. The success of squatting, unfortunately,
encourages further squatting, hindering orderly urban development.

Salient Points and Features

Addis Ababa's rapid expansion has been fueled by spontaneous growth,

leading to the unauthorized construction of "squatter settlements." These illegal
settlements have grown steadily in number and size, with new housing appearing
both within existing settlements and unoccupied areas. This study examines the
extent of these settlements, the challenges they pose, and the government's efforts
to mitigate the issue. Despite regulations aimed at preventing their construction, the
proliferation of squatter settlements continues unabated. Demolitions in some areas
haven't been entirely successful due to factors like the allure of illegal construction
for residents, population pressure, weak law enforcement, and inefficient institutions.
The success of squatting incentivizes further squatting, creating a vicious cycle that
hinders orderly urban development and expansion.

Relatedness and Significance

Addis Ababa's fast growth, similar to Payatas in the Philippines, has led to
trouble with illegal settlements. In both cities, rapid city growth has caused people to
build their own homes in areas they don't own. These settlements keep growing as
new homes are built. This study, although focused on Addis Ababa, shows a
common problem for many developing cities. Both Addis Ababa and Payatas face
similar challenges: people are drawn to these affordable settlements, there's not
enough housing for everyone, and it's hard to enforce laws and manage city growth.
This situation creates a loop, where more people settle illegally because others have
done it before, making it harder to have a well-planned city.

C. Fringe more than context: Perceived quality of life in informal settlements in

a developing country: The case of Kabul, Afghanistan

Brief Summary
According to Shahraki, Saeed Zanganeh (2020), This study focuses on the
quality of life and satisfaction of residents living within informal settlements, an
underrepresented area of research, particularly in developing nations. With
Afghanistan experiencing rapid urbanization fueled by returning immigrants and
internal migration, Kabul exemplifies this trend – around 80% of its population now
resides in informal settlements. A survey of 400 households reveals widespread
dissatisfaction with quality of life components related to transportation, leisure, and
governance, alongside material deprivation in essential services like water and
energy. Conversely, residents scored intangible facets like sense of community and
family connections more favorably. These informal settlements now form a major part
of Kabul, and authorities need to focus on improving the quality of life, especially the
provision of basic urban services. This study provides valuable insights for city
managers and planners to assess Kabul's current state and take action towards
addressing planning challenges for a more sustainable future.

Salient Points and Features

While research on the quality of life within informal settlements is scarce,

particularly in developing nations, this study tackles this gap by focusing on Kabul,
Afghanistan. Rapid urbanization, fueled by returning immigrants and internal
migration, has concentrated people in Kabul, with a staggering 80% residing in
informal settlements. A survey reveals widespread dissatisfaction among residents
regarding transportation, leisure, and governance, coupled with material deprivation
in basic services. However, a sense of community and family connections finds
higher favor. Recognizing these settlements as fundamental to Kabul, the study
stresses the need for authorities to improve residents' quality of life, especially by
providing essential urban services. This research offers valuable data for city leaders
to evaluate the current state of Kabul and take action towards sustainable urban
development.

Relatedness and Significance

This study on Kabul, Afghanistan, sheds light on a global challenge: the

quality of life in informal settlements within rapidly urbanizing cities of developing
countries. While the specific context of Kabul may differ from Payatas, Philippines,
the findings hold significant value. The scarcity of research on resident well-being
within these settlements highlights the need for similar studies in Payatas to
understand the challenges and opportunities faced by its residents. Both cities likely
grapple with similar issues like dissatisfaction with essential services and
governance, while also fostering a sense of community. The Kabul study's focus on
improving quality of life through better urban services offers transferable lessons for
addressing challenges in Payatas and other informal settlements around the world.
Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of local-level data collection
and its potential to inform the development of effective solutions for improving living
conditions in informal settlements.

D. Understanding the Livelihood Strategies of Informal Settlers in Enugu

Urban, Nigeria.

Brief Summary
According to Amobi, Sam (2024),This research focuses on the ways residents
of peri-urban areas in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, are managing their livelihoods
amidst the challenges of their location. It notes the lack of prior studies on this
specific topic. The study surveyed 816 household heads and discovered four primary
ways these residents cope: home-based businesses, retail trading, domestic work,
and street trading. Factors influencing these strategies include age, sex, startup
capital, housing type, and space availability. This study emphasizes the need for
modern urban planning to acknowledge these coping strategies, aiming to harness
the contributions of peri-urban residents for national development and improved
integration into the larger economic picture.

Salient Points and Features

This study addresses a crucial knowledge gap about peri-urban areas in sub-
Saharan Africa. While the governance, environmental, and agricultural impacts of
peri-urban development are known, there has been less focus on understanding how
residents within these challenging zones adapt their livelihoods. Using a cross-
section survey of 816 household heads in Enugu, Nigeria, this research identifies
common coping strategies including home-based businesses, retail and street
trading, and domestic work. Crucially, it reveals the factors influencing these
strategies such as age, gender, startup capital, housing, and space availability. The
study concludes with a powerful recommendation: modern urban planning must
recognize and integrate these existing coping mechanisms into policies. Doing so
would not only improve integration into the formal economy but harness the
contributions of peri-urban residents and bolster national development efforts.
Relatedness and Significance

While conducted in Enugu, Nigeria, this research on peri-urban residents'

coping strategies offers valuable insights for informal settlers in Payatas, Philippines.
Like the residents in Enugu, Payatas' residents heavily rely on informal economic
activities like home businesses, trading, and service work to navigate their
challenging circumstances. This study highlights the importance of recognizing these
existing strategies and integrating them into urban planning, instead of solely trying
to eradicate them. Factors influencing success, such as age, gender, and access to
resources, are likely similar in Payatas. By acknowledging these factors and
addressing underlying inequalities, policymakers can empower settlers to utilize their
resourcefulness for a better future. Ultimately, this research underscores the dignity
of work within the informal sector and the need for policies that support these
activities to promote economic inclusion for marginalized communities within cities.
In essence, this study encourages a community-centered approach to urban
planning in Payatas, learning from the existing resilience and ingenuity of its
residents rather than imposing external solutions.

E. Do land use regulations help give rise to informal settlements? Evidence

from Buenos Aires

Brief Summary
According to Goytia, Cynthia (2023), This paper examines the complex
relationship between land use regulations in the formal housing sector and their
potential impact on informal settlements within metropolitan Buenos Aires. The study
investigates whether restrictive land use regulations limit opportunities within the
formal sector, ultimately contributing to the growth of informal settlements. Through a
theoretical model, household surveys, and analysis of the Argentinian Census and
National Expenditure Survey, the study provides several key findings. First, it
confirms that restrictions on land use create a rent premium for accessing formal
housing. Second, there's a strong link between infrastructure provision and housing
outcomes, with infrastructure playing a key role in defining formal housing and
impacting service delivery. Finally, while households may seek less expensive
housing further from the city center (the Alonso mechanism), they may be less likely
to relocate to other jurisdictions with similar land use restrictions (the Tiebout
mechanism).

Salient Points and Features

This paper offers valuable insights into the connection between land use
regulations and the growth of informal settlements. It proposes a theoretical model
demonstrating how restrictive regulations within the formal housing sector can limit
its capacity and subsequently lead to crowding-out effects that push people towards
informal housing options. The study uniquely combines household surveys in
informal settlements and nearby formal areas with Argentinian Census and
expenditure data to validate this model. Key findings include the confirmation of a
rent premium associated with formal housing, a strong link between infrastructure
availability and housing outcomes, and evidence that while households move to
cheaper areas further from the city center, they may not relocate to other jurisdictions
with similar restrictive land use policies. This suggests limitations to the Tiebout
mechanism within the specific context of Buenos Aires.

Relatedness and Significance

This study on land use regulations and informal settlements in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, offers valuable insights with potential applications for Payatas,
Philippines. The research suggests that restrictive regulations in the formal sector
can limit housing availability, creating a "crowding-out" effect that pushes people
towards informal settlements like Payatas. This finding resonates with the challenges
faced in Payatas, where restrictive land use and high costs likely force residents to
seek informal housing options. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of
infrastructure, as its strong link to housing outcomes suggests that upgrading
infrastructure in Payatas is crucial for improving living standards. While the research
indicates limitations in the Tiebout mechanism, where residents relocate based on
favorable regulations, it underlines the need for broader solutions. This includes land
use reforms promoting affordable formal housing beyond just the immediate
settlement itself. Overall, the research offers an informative lens to analyze the
constraints faced in Payatas and could inform policy decisions focused on increasing
affordable housing options and upgrading essential infrastructure within the informal
settlement.

List of References:

A. Tilaki, M. J. M. (2011). (PDF) challenges of the informal settlements in developing

countries’ ... https://www.researchgate.net/profile/M-Hedayati-Marzbali/publication/
286641502_Challenges_of_the_informal_settlements_in_developing_countries’_cities
_A_case_study_of_Iran/links/5818f5a108aee7cdc685e109/Challenges-of-the-
informal-settlements-in-developing-countries-cities-A-case-study-of-Iran.pdf.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286641502_Challenges_of_the_informal_set
tlements_in_developing_countries’_cities_A_case_study_of_Iran

B. Abagissa, J. (2019, January 1). Informal settlements in Addis Ababa: Extent,

challenges and measures taken. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law.
https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=851023

C. Saeed Zanganeh Shahraki, Ali Hosseini, David Sauri, Fatema Hussaini,

Fringe more than context: Perceived quality of life in informal settlements in a developing
country: The case of Kabul, Afghanistan,Sustainable Cities and Society,Volume 63,
2020,102494,ISSN 2210-6707,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102494.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210670720307149)
D. Abagissa, J. (2019, January 1). Informal settlements in Addis Ababa: Extent,
challenges and measures taken. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law.
https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=851023

E. Cynthia Goytia, Eric J. Heikkila, Ricardo A. Pasquini,

Do land use regulations help give rise to informal settlements? Evidence from Buenos Aires,
Land Use Policy,Volume 125,2023,106484,
ISSN 0264-8377,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2022.106484.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837722005117)