Peri-urban interface: An alternative residential location of low-income migrants in Kumasi, Ghana: Fid-Bau Portal

Peri-urban interface: An alternative residential location of low-income migrants in Kumasi, Ghana

Adu-Gyamfi, Albert / Owusu-Addo, Ebenezer / Inkoom, Daniel Kweku Baah / Asibey, Michael Osei

Abstract While a plethora of studies have shown that slum settlements are the commonest choice of residence for low-income migrants in cities, little is known about the peri-urban landscape as host settlements for low-income migrants. This study aims to explore the context, motivation and outcomes of migrant settlements in peri-urban areas in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, the findings suggest that low-income migrants opt for a rent-free stay in uncompleted houses in peri-urban areas. A major reason for this is the affordability challenge low-income migrants face in the rental housing market. Migrants choose to stay in uncompleted houses because they offer more space for both dwelling and storage. The unavailability of services such as electricity and potable water sometimes presented unique challenges for migrants, but this was also found to be a cost-saving mechanism. Employment prospects in peri-urban areas such as housing construction also contribute to the reason for migrant settlement in such areas.

Highlights • The study focuses on migrant settlements in peri-urban areas. • Low-income migrants opt for a rent-free stay in uncompleted houses in peri-urban areas. • Migrants stay in uncompleted houses for more space for dwelling and storage. • The unavailability of utility services present unique challenges for migrants. • Employment prospects in peri-urban areas are reasons for migrant’s settlement in such areas.