The Urban Poor and the Environment

Poor health among the urban poor has greatly been associated with their living environment that lacks proper sanitation, adequate and clean water and poor housing. Eldoret town is rated among the fastest growing town in East and Central Africa with more than 50% of its residents living in slum areas. This book addresses types of housing prevalent in selected slum areas of Eldoret, implications of the physical and human factors to health, and the ability and willingness of residents to conserve the environment as a resource. The author observes that most of the slum dwellers are fairly educated people who temporarily stay in the slums as they seek improved income opportunities elsewhere. She also points out that the physical environment in the slums lacks municipal services such as water, sanitation and housing. The author recommends a participatory approach, that involves the municipal council and slum residents, in the management of slum areas so as to improve the living standards of the slum dwellers. This book is highly recommended for urban planners, researchers, natural resources managers, and NGOs involved in urban development.