Slums in Semi-Arid Regions: An Analysis of the Vulnerability and Coping Strategies of Selected Neighbourhoods in the Wa Municipality, Ghana — Oak Academic Publishing
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Slums in Semi-Arid Regions: An Analysis of the Vulnerability and Coping Strategies of Selected Neighbourhoods in the Wa Municipality, Ghana
Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Department of Development Studies, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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Institute of Local Government Studies, Accra, Ghana
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Department of Planning and Management, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
1 Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
2 Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
3 Department of Development Studies, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
4 Institute of Local Government Studies, Accra, Ghana
5 Department of Planning and Management, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
This study investigates the vulnerability of slum dwellers and the resulting coping strategies of three spontaneous neighbourhoods in the Wa Municipality of Ghana. The study relied on mixed methods with questionnaire administration as its main data collection technique focusing on the social, economic and environmental dimensions of slums. It found that, even among slum close neighbourhoods, the overall degree of vulnerability varies thereby representing a potential source of dynamic resource for small cites. Slums selected are less vulnerable to environmental issues than socioeconomic dimensions. The sustainability challenges therefore lie within the improvement of social and economic choices. An identification of place based capabilities, opportunities and localised constraints could serve as basis for designing of an appropriate planned intervention.
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