From Informal Settlements to sustainable communities

Abstract

Informal Settlements and urban informality is a serious and common problem in Third World countries. These settlements are not marginal actors in the real estate market. They play an important role affecting greatly the housing supply and demand market. In Egypt, Informal Settlements emerged in and around big cities since the sixties of the twentieth century, due to natural growth and the flux of rural-urban migration. Alexandria- as the second biggest city in Egypt after Cairo- is witnessing a rapid population increase, therefore monitoring Informal Settlements locations, expansion and growth is important for possible urban development.This study focuses on the continued transformation of Alexandria’s backdrop productive agricultural land into Informal Settlements causing serious encroachment on agricultural land. The study intends to find solutions through examining local needs and potentials for a selected case study named “Houd 10”. This case is an example that sheds the light on means that can be utilized in Informal Settlements to improve living conditions and reach socio-economic potentials. Analyses of the current situation and challenges at Houd 10 are examined on three levels; economic, social and environmental. The research also highlights the role of non-profit organizations and social participation for developing such areas. Keywords: Informal Settlement, Urban sprawl, Urban upgrading, Sustainable development, Housing supply and demand