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TitleUrban poverty alleviation
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsKolstee, T, Bijlmer, J, van Oosterhout, F
Secondary TitleSectoral policy document of development cooperation / NEDA
Volumeno. 5
Paginationvii, 179 p.: Boxes, photogr.
Date Published1994-01-01
PublisherNetherlands, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DGIS, Information Department
Place PublishedThe Hague, The Netherlands
ISBN Number9053280766
Keywordsdevelopment cooperation, drinking water, education, funding agencies, gender, health care, housing, income, institution building, non-governmental organizations, nutrition, policies, poverty, sanitation, urbanization
Abstract

Rapid urbanization has meant that urban poverty is increasing both in scale and gravity in many countries, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Policy development in the past has failed to keep pace with the plight of the poor in these ever-growing urban areas. This special policy document of development cooperation on alleviating urban poverty examines the growing and complex problem of poverty in economic, social and political terms, the three dimensions described in the framework policy document, "A World of Difference". The economic dimension refers to inequitable access to natural and produced resources. The social dimension relates to inadequate basic services for the poor which can hamper their chance of development. The political dimension involves safeguarding the interests of the poor and their participation in decision-making processes. The underlying principle is to link up wherever possible with the initiatives of people and groups to change their own circumstances and support them in their efforts.
The thrust of the policy's enabling strategy is to fight urban poverty through action-oriented, direct development applicable to as large a section of the population as possible. The special programme advocates a process-based bottom-up approach to combating poverty at the micro-level. Much of this document consists of an analysis of the dimensions of poverty with regard to employment and income, habitat, basic social facilities, and institutional development, and the programme of priorities, principles and guidelines based on them.
The most direct cause of urban poverty is the lack of work and income. It is only quite recently that municipalities, NGOs, national governments and donors have become aware that income-generating activities by the poor play a strategic role in alleviating poverty and contributing to employment. The analysis of employment and income in this document concentrates on attempts by the poor to improve their incomes in terms of consumption (keeping down living costs by using their own organizations) and production of goods and services. The vital role of women in setting up communal facilities through neighbourhood organizations is emphasized. NGOs, municipalities and national governments attempt to support the economic activities of the poor through mass employment programmes, compensation programmes and through direct interventions such as providing credit, training, technical support and marketing.
Urban habitat problems include poor housing, inadequate amenities and unhealthy living and working conditions. Emphasis is now being placed on the problems of the "brown" environment at the neighbourhood and household level, involving inadequate sanitary provisions and waste processing facilities. Problems of access to safe drinking water such as lack of connection to water mains, high prices charged by water sellers, distances to neighbourhood taps, and poor maintenance of the network cause health risks to the poor. This is compounded by the fact that most cities do not have proper drainage systems for waste water and excrement. The number of households that are not connected to a sewer system varies from 95 percent in African cities and 70 percent in Asian cities to 40 percent in Latin American cities. Where sewage systems are not possible, pit latrines or building collective septic tanks could offer durable solutions and user pay is advocated. The problem of inadequate waste collection services adds to the water, air and soil pollution in poor urban areas but residents are often less aware of the health risks from uncollected waste than of sanitation problems. Measures advocated to tackle the problem of waste are reducing volume, sorting at source and local and informal waste management. A section on gender and habitat states that in view of the productive, reproductive and social tasks of women, they stand to benefit substantially from improvements in the quality of their living conditions. But just as it is taken for granted that these tasks largely fall on their shoulders, it is also assumed that the participation of women is unnecessary.
Education and nutrition play a major role in the early preventive stages of health care. The dilemma confronting the poorest people, especially women, comes down to a choice between the struggle for existence today and the privations of tomorrow. This choice adversely affects their quality of life, health, productivity and creativity and therefore ultimately their chances of breaking free from the poverty spiral. The involvement of the poor and especially women in the planning and implementation stages of projects to decentralize urban management is seen as essential.
Sustainability and enablement which promote the active involvement of the poor are key concepts of the special programme. Increasing decision-making and management powers at the grassroots level, both in local government and private organizations in cities, is essential for effective urban management that aims to alleviate poverty.

NotesBibliography: p. 161-179
Custom 1102, 155.2

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