A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Thirsty slums in African cities: household water insecurity in urban informal settlements of Lilongwe, Malawi
Over 70% of Malawi’s urban population lives in informal settlements, where households regularly face chronic water insecurity. This article utilizes mixed methods – household surveys (N = 645), field observations, focus groups and interviews – to examine household water insecurity in three urban informal settlements of Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital and largest city. The study finds that water insecurity arises from overdependence on communal water kiosks which are insufficient in number, have high nonfunctional rates, are prone to vandalism, and provide water irregularly; lack of alternative improved water sources; and a significant time burden due to long waiting times and multiple trips to water sources. The findings underscore why water insecurity in Africa’s urban informal settlements deserves urgent policy attention.
Thirsty slums in African cities: household water insecurity in urban informal settlements of Lilongwe, Malawi
Over 70% of Malawi’s urban population lives in informal settlements, where households regularly face chronic water insecurity. This article utilizes mixed methods – household surveys (N = 645), field observations, focus groups and interviews – to examine household water insecurity in three urban informal settlements of Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital and largest city. The study finds that water insecurity arises from overdependence on communal water kiosks which are insufficient in number, have high nonfunctional rates, are prone to vandalism, and provide water irregularly; lack of alternative improved water sources; and a significant time burden due to long waiting times and multiple trips to water sources. The findings underscore why water insecurity in Africa’s urban informal settlements deserves urgent policy attention.
Thirsty slums in African cities: household water insecurity in urban informal settlements of Lilongwe, Malawi
Adams, Ellis Adjei (author)
International Journal of Water Resources Development ; 34 ; 869-887
2018-11-02
19 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Urban planning history of Malawi: case study of the capital Lilongwe
| Taylor & Francis Verlag | 2022
| Springer Verlag | 2019