SLUM DWELLERS SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF MAGAMBA IN HATCLIFFE EXTENSION, HARARE

Abstract

Housing for low-income people has been a big issue in many countries and Zimbabwe is not an exception. This challenge has been a major contributor to Zimbabwe‟s expanding slum population, with thousands of people living in slum areas. This study draws on the experiences of Magamba in Hatcliffe Extension, Harare, to understand the origins, demographics and survival strategies of slum dwellers. A quantitative research approach was employed. Household surveys were conducted as part of the data collection process in that semi-structured questionnaires were used. Observations using photographic or pictorial aids were done. The study suggests that impressions of poverty in Magamba correspond to a lack of access to fundamental requirements such as adequate shelter, water, sanitation, security of tenure, jobs and foodstuffs. The community's coping strategies emphasize that, despite the problems they face, residents are strong and have skills that they use to improve their livelihoods. In addition to creating a multi-stakeholder platform for resolving the housing delivery challenges, the study suggests slum transformation and political will where politics is not above institutions. These could be solutions to the rising number of slums that are developing and growing in the country.