Community Participation In Informal Settlements Upgrading: A Critical Review

Abstract

Abstract Informal settlements are one of the biggest urban challenges that face urban planners worldwide. On these grounds, the basic needs for a motivated human community require coherence between the environment and well-being. Thus, various interventions are being implemented to improve informal settlements conditions, through upgrading programs that target one or more sector such as social, economic, political, and physical improvements. Some of these programs adopt the participatory approach to their needs’ assessment, development plan, and later implementation. Others adopt the top-down approach where community involvement is minimal. Participation is claimed to be the solution for the upgrading process. Contrariwise, there have been contraventions on excessive use of the term participation hamstrung its content.