What is the background of the unplanned settlements in Tanzania? Please provide a citation.

Unplanned settlements in Tanzania, also known as informal settlements or slums, have emerged due to a combination of factors including rapid urbanization, population growth, poverty, and lack of affordable housing options.

Tanzania has experienced significant urbanization in recent decades, with many people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better economic opportunities. This influx of people has put pressure on the limited supply of formal housing, leading to the proliferation of informal settlements.

Poverty is also a major driver of unplanned settlements in Tanzania. Many people living in these settlements are unable to afford formal housing and are forced to live in makeshift structures in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

Additionally, the lack of effective urban planning and inadequate infrastructure in many Tanzanian cities has contributed to the growth of unplanned settlements. Government policies and regulations have often failed to address the needs of the urban poor, leading to the proliferation of informal settlements as a coping mechanism.

Overall, the background of unplanned settlements in Tanzania is a complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that have contributed to the growth of these marginalized communities.

Historical Context:

- Colonial Era: During the colonial period (1885-1961), European settlers established plantations and urban centers, displacing local populations and disrupting traditional land tenure systems.
- Independence (1961): After independence, the government prioritized economic growth and industrialization, leading to an influx of rural populations to urban areas.

Social and Economic Factors:

- Rural-Urban Migration: Economic opportunities and better living conditions in cities attracted people from rural areas, leading to a rapid growth of unplanned settlements.
- Poverty and Inequality: Economic disparities and a lack of affordable housing in urban areas forced many low-income households into informal settlements.
- Limited Affordable Housing: Government and private sector efforts to provide affordable housing have often been insufficient to meet the demand.
- Land Tenure Issues: Informal settlements often emerged on land that was unoccupied or had unclear ownership, resulting in insecure land tenure for residents.

Policy and Governance Factors:

- Lack of Urban Planning: Rapid urbanization and population growth outpaced urban planning efforts, leading to the development of unregulated and unplanned settlements.
- Weak Enforcement of Regulations: Limited capacity of local authorities to enforce zoning regulations and prevent the growth of informal settlements.
- Inadequate Infrastructure and Services: Unplanned settlements often lack basic infrastructure such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

Environmental Factors:

- Deforestation and Land Degradation: Unplanned settlements often encroach on forests and other sensitive areas, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation.
- Pollution and Waste Management: Poor waste management practices and inadequate sanitation contribute to environmental pollution in unplanned settlements.

Other Factors:

- Political Unrest and Conflict: Civil wars and conflicts in neighboring countries have displaced people, contributing to the growth of unplanned settlements in Tanzania.
- International Migration: Tanzania has become a destination for migrants from other African countries, further straining housing resources.