SLUMS IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE VULNERABILITY AND COPING STRATEGIES OF SELECTED NEIGHBOURHOODS IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract

This study investigates the vulnerability of slum dwellers and the resulting coping strategies of three spontaneous neighborhoods 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 neighborhoods, 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 localized constraints could serve as basis for designing of an appropriate planned intervention.