Exploring the Characteristics, Drivers and Control Strategies of Informal Settlements on Mkimbizi Hill in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

This study explored the characteristics, drivers, and control strategies of informal settlements on MkimbiziHill in Iringa Municipality, Tanzania. The study employed a mixed research design whereby heads ofhouseholds were randomly selected while key informants were purposively sampled. Data were collectedthrough a questionnaire survey with heads of households, in-depth interviews with key informants, and fieldobservations. Quantitative data were analysed by statistical product and service solution software.Qualitative data were organised into themes and involved content analysis. It was established that the studyarea is occupied by individuals of different social and economic characteristics with informal land tenure,limited access to social services, and are exposed to the risk of the collapse of buildings and rockfalls. Thestudy also found that informal settlements in the study area were caused by the lack of education on urbansettlements, proximity to essential social services, cheap plots, and poor settlement planning. Nonetheless, thestudy showed that the strategies used to control informal settlements in the study area included intermittentpatrol, awareness creation on sustainable urban development, and settlements for economically weakindividuals. The study recommends proper land use planning for sustainable urban development by theauthorities.