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Resilience Pathways of Informal Settlements in Nairobi: Stasis, Decline, Adaptation, and Transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Fransen

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Beatrice Hati

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam
    Kenya Hub)

  • Naomi Stapele

    (The Hague University of Applied Sciences)

  • Samuel Kiriro

    (Ghetto Foundation)

  • Rosebella Nyumba

    (Kenya Hub)

Abstract

This study investigates resilience pathways of informal settlements, and their diverse impacts through community-based participatory research in Mathare and Korogocho, Nairobi. Results reveal that resilience pathways were relatively stable in the 1970s and 1980s, declined in the 1990s, and changed towards more adaptive approaches in the 2000s. Each period accommodates a dynamic mix of maladaptive, adaptive, and transformative resilience initiatives. Adaptive resilience initiatives are sustainable and adopt frugal practice to cope with resource constraints, without harming others. Transformative resilience initiatives are rare, as they require a significant shift in societal norms and institutions. The study emphasizes the need to recognize the dynamics and variety of resilience initiatives in informal settlements. The study therefore recommends (1) recognizing and supporting adaptive and transformative resilience initiatives; (2) recognizing the dynamics and variety of resilience initiatives of informal settlements; and (3) addressing inhibiting institutional settings of informal settlements.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Fransen & Beatrice Hati & Naomi Stapele & Samuel Kiriro & Rosebella Nyumba, 2024. "Resilience Pathways of Informal Settlements in Nairobi: Stasis, Decline, Adaptation, and Transformation," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 36(2), pages 355-380, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:36:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1057_s41287-023-00605-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-023-00605-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Blomkvist, Pär & Nilsson, David & Juma, Benard & Sitoki, Lewis, 2020. "Bridging the critical interface: Ambidextrous innovation for water provision in Nairobi's informal settlements," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    2. Jan Fransen & Daniela Ochoa Peralta & Francesca Vanelli & Jurian Edelenbos & Beatriz Calzada Olvera, 2022. "The emergence of Urban Community Resilience Initiatives During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Exploratory Study," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(1), pages 432-454, February.
    3. Tiwari, Rajnish & Kalogerakis, Katharina & Herstatt, Cornelius, 2014. "Frugal innovation and analogies: Some propositions for product development in emerging economies," Working Papers 84, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute for Technology and Innovation Management.
    4. Thomas Elmqvist & Erik Andersson & Niki Frantzeskaki & Timon McPhearson & Per Olsson & Owen Gaffney & Kazuhiko Takeuchi & Carl Folke, 2019. "Sustainability and resilience for transformation in the urban century," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 2(4), pages 267-273, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zaqout, Mariam & Mdee, Anna & Barrington, Dani & Agol, Dorice & Evans, Barbara E., 2024. "Differentiated and conflicting incentives across the sanitation value chain: the case of Sanergy in Nairobi," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 124201, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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