TITLE:
Coping with the Challenges of Urbanization in Low Income Areas: An Analysis of the Livelihood Systems of Slum Dwellers of the Wa Municipality, Ghana
AUTHORS:
Raqib Abu-Salia, Issaka Kanton Osumanu, Abubakari Ahmed
KEYWORDS:
Coping Strategies, Livelihoods, Slums, Urbanization, Vulnerability
JOURNAL NAME:
Current Urban Studies,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
9,
2015
ABSTRACT: In Ghana, unplanned and spontaneous urbanization has trapped many in slum dwellings with its
attendant poverty, insecurity, and poor housing and general environmental conditions. Slum
dwellers’ choices of livelihood activities are restricted under various socio-economic and planning
constraints. Using mixed methods, this paper explored the conditions under which slum dwellers
can maximize the prospects of their environment and minimize the challenges therein. The findings
indicate that slum dwellers have diversity of livelihood assets and potentials, yet limited
access to planned adaptation remains a main challenge. Many dwellers result to autonomous
“supplementary occupations” to cope with the challenges of urbanization. It is therefore imperative
to redefine the mandate of urban planning, as a response to spontaneous urbanization, and to
develop a tool for sustainable livelihood at the local level.