The Social Dimension of Sustainable Development: Social Inclusion in Tanzania’s Urban Centres

John M. Lupala^*

School of Urban and Regional Planning, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

DOI: 10.4236/cus.2014.24033                

Abstract

One of the challenges confronting cities in the developing world is social exclusion and marginalization of the poor. This has been observed in terms of large scale informalities in settlements growth, employment and livelihood activities. Inadequate infrastructure, diminishing access to basic services and livelihood opportunities are increasingly precipitating social exclusion in cities. In Tanzania, the policy shift from social welfare to liberal economies is contributing to marginalization and subsequently, exclusion of poor households in accessing basic services. This paper discusses the social dimension of sustainability viewed from social inclusion point of view. Eight major urban centres in Tanzania are being examined. The data collection methods included household interviews, review of documents, workshops and group discussion. Results show that with the exception of access to education and health services, cities are poorly performing in terms of access to water supply, income versus cost of living, employment, services to the handicapped and ownership of properties by sex. Quality of life elements such as sanitation and urban informality also remains below average. While informality in cities accounted for 66 percent (in terms of built up areas), access to onsite potable accounted for only 36.9 percent. On the bases of these findings, it is recommended that strategies such as cross subsidization and addressing informalities should be developed and implemented with a view to ensuring social inclusion in cities.

Keywords

Social Sustainability, Social Inclusion, Informality, Basic Services, Tanzania

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Council of Europe (1998). Fighting Social Exclusion and Strengthening Social Cohesion in Europe. Recommendation 1355, Parliamentary Assembly Debate on 28 January 1998.
[2]	Dempsey, N., Bramley, G., Power, S., & Brown, C. (2009). The Social Dimension of Sustainable Development: Defining Urban Social Sustainability. Sustainable Development Journal, 19, 289-300.
[3]	Giddens, A., Duneier, M., & Appelbaum, R. (2006). Essentials of Sociology. New York: WWW NORTON.
[4]	Goltsman, S., & Iacofano, D. (2007). The Inclusive City: Design Solutions for Buildings, Neighbourhoods and Urban Spaces. Berkeley: MIG Communications.
[5]	Gore, C., & Figueiredo, J. B. (1997). Social Exclusion and Anti-Poverty Policy: A Debate. Geneva: International Institute for Labour Studies, ILO.
[6]	Ladman, T. (2006). Human Rights and Social Exclusion Indicators: Concepts, Best Practices and Methods for Implementation. Colchester: Department of Government Human Rights Centre, University of Essex.
[7]	Levitas, R., Pantazis, C., Fahmy, E., Gordon, D., Lloyd, E., & Patsios, D. (2007). The Multidimensional Analysis of Social Exclusion. A Study Report. Townsend Centre for the International Study of Poverty and University of Bristol. Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), UK.
[8]	Mathieson, J., Popay, J., Enock, E., Escorel, S., Hernandez, M., Johnston, H., & Rispel, L. (2008). Social Exclusion Meaning, Measurement and Links to Health Inequalities; A Review of Literature. WHO Social Exchange Network Background Paper, Lancaster, UK: Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University.
[9]	Mbilinyi, M. (2003). Equity, Justice and Transformation in Education: The Challenge of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Today. Haki Elimu Working Paper Series No. 2003.5, Dar es Salaam: HakiElimu.
[10]	Ngware, S., Kironde, J., Manda, P., & Malya, U. (2003). Local Government in Tanzania; A Country Profile, Association of Local Authorities. Unpublished Report of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam.
[11]	Omann, I., & Spangenberg, J. (2002). Assessing Social Sustainability; the Social Dimension of Sustainability in a Socio-Economic Scenario, Sustainable Europe Research Institute SERI. Proceedings of the 7th Biennial Conference of the International Society for Ecological Economics, Sousse, 6-9 March 2002.
[12]	UN-Habitat (2001). Inclusive Cities Initiative: The Way Forward. Nairobi: UN Habitat.
[13]	UN-Habitat (2012). State of The World’s Cities: Prosperity of Cities. Nairobi: UN-Habitat.
[14]	United Republic of Tanzania, URT (2010). The National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (NSGRP). Programme Document, Dar es Salaam: Vice President’s Office.