What is the background of the unplanned settlement worldwide?

Unplanned settlements, also known as informal settlements or slums, have emerged as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth in many developing countries. These settlements often lack proper infrastructure and basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

The growth of unplanned settlements can be attributed to a variety of factors, including poverty, lack of affordable housing options, rural-to-urban migration, and inadequate urban planning and governance. Many people living in these settlements are unable to afford formal housing and are forced to settle in informal settlements on the outskirts of cities or in areas prone to natural disasters.

The lack of formal land tenure and property rights in these settlements also contributes to their growth, as residents are often unable to secure legal ownership of the land they occupy. This makes it difficult for governments to provide basic services and infrastructure to these communities, as they are often considered illegal or unauthorized settlements.

Overall, the background of unplanned settlements worldwide is complex and multifaceted, with a combination of social, economic, and political factors contributing to their existence and growth. Addressing the challenges faced by residents of these settlements requires a holistic approach that includes improving access to affordable housing, basic services, and infrastructure, as well as addressing underlying issues such as poverty and inequality.

Historical and Social Factors:

- Rapid Urbanization: Industrialization and economic growth led to a surge in migration to urban areas, often overwhelming existing infrastructure and housing.
- Lack of Affordable Housing: Urban growth and rising housing costs pushed many people into unplanned settlements as they couldn't afford formal housing.
- Forced Displacement: Natural disasters, war, and political conflict displaced people, forcing them to settle in informal communities.
- Inadequate Land Management: Poor land use planning and regulation allowed for the development of informal settlements on land not intended for urban use.
- Social Exclusion: Marginalized groups, such as migrants, refugees, and the urban poor, were often excluded from formal housing programs, leading them to seek shelter in informal settlements.

Economic Factors:

- Informal Economy: Many unplanned settlements are home to informal businesses and entrepreneurs who cannot afford to rent or purchase formal spaces.
- Land Speculation: Landlords and developers sometimes took advantage of the demand for housing by selling or renting plots in unplanned settlements at inflated prices.
- Lack of Employment Opportunities: Unemployment and low wages pushed people to seek low-cost housing options in informal settlements.

Environmental Factors:

- Environmental Degradation: Unplanned settlements often lacked proper sanitation and waste management, leading to health and environmental hazards.
- Natural Disasters: Informal settlements were particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to their often substandard construction and precarious locations.

Governance Factors:

- Weak Institutions: In some cases, local governments lacked the resources and capacity to effectively plan and regulate urban development, leading to the proliferation of unplanned settlements.
- Corrupt Practices: Corruption and cronyism sometimes allowed developers to obtain building permits for informal settlements, even when they violated building codes.
- Exclusionary Policies: Zoning laws and building regulations that favored the wealthy and excluded the poor contributed to the growth of unplanned settlements.