Slum Intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case for New Tourist Approach

This study queries the notion of slum as an anathema to the growth and prosperity of cities in sub-Saharan Africa. Slum tourism is discussed as an emerging intervention to address the challenge of slums in the global south. Using ethnographic account and personal reflection of 5 slum settlements and key institutions in Lusaka, a novel approach is proposed: Absolute Slum Tourism (AST) and Relative Slum Tourism (RST), to contribute to the discourse on slum interventions. The study shows that navigating informal settlements through RST approach could significantly influence urban rejuvenation, empower local narratives, giving voice to the marginalised in slum communities and promoting equity. The paper further proposes a new framework for the co-creation of slum interventions, introducing a shift in how informal urban space and residents are perceived

Slum an Urban Tourism Resource in Zambia. A case study of Kalingalinga Informal Settlement, Lusaka

Slum settlements are often reviewed as urban spaces of social complexity where people are often ensnared in a poverty trap. Conversely, slum spaces are exploited as a resource by multiple stakeholders and poverty is an attraction. Pro-poor slum tourism is being utilised in slum settlements outside Zambia as a tool for capacity building, utilising slum dwellers’ resilience, ingenuity, uniqueness and entrepreneurial spirit. This explorative study adopts a qualitative approach in investigating Kalingalinga settlement in Lusaka, Zambia and begins by observing the space through participating in a slum tour. This is followed by interviews with multiple stakeholders, through which participants understanding and perception of the concept of slum tourism are reviewed. Investigation revealed that Kalingalinga is a space of poverty and basic infrastructure, threatened by demand for its location. The informal space is constantly changing and redefining its position within society, fighting for recognition and acceptance. Analysis revealed that this interaction leads to exploitation of slum resources that mainly benefit external stakeholders. A new approach is proposed; to redefine interactions and relationships, to address the root of poverty, and the slum’s informal status. This research, through a conceptual framework for slum tourism, identifies means through which poverty could be exploited by Kalingalinga slum dwellers as a resource for inclusion and, through a pro-poor approach, generate net benefit that satisfies all stakeholders. A key finding suggests that slum spaces could be navigated through a relative slum tourism approach (RST) rather than absolute slum tourism commonly adopted by slum tourists. RST allows the tourist to witness wider activities slum dwellers are involved in, extending the narrative beyond the confines of the settlement. To achieve sustainability, the framework suggests that the people, rather than the location, should be placed at the centre of pro-poor slum tourism and community development

Water entrepreneurship and financialisation: Complexities for the attainment of SDG in sub-Saharan Africa

This study explores the potential of water financialisation and entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to supplant the traditional responsibility of national, state, and local governments in providing public water supply, aligning with SDG Goals. Despite its typical association with the global north, a shifting landscape reveals emerging financial actors and multinational companies playing a more prominent role, prompting governance and accountability inquiries. Given the dearth of investment and persisting challenges in SSA's water infrastructure, the burgeoning involvement of financial actors and capital management entities in the water cycle seems inevitable. However, this trend raises concerns about exacerbating global water stress. Through qualitative methods, the study engaged 50 SSA participants via open-ended questionnaires, analysed using thematic analysis. The findings underscore a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the potential of water financialisation and entrepreneurship to drive essential investment in SSA's water sector, the research emphasizes the irreplaceable role of government in policy execution and safeguarding citizens' well-being. Government intervention remains crucial to ensuring equitable water access and sustainability. Additionally, the analysis suggests that overemphasizing water financialisation could divert attention from critical infrastructural and technological advancements needed in SSA's water sector. This underscores the necessity of a balanced and comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges surrounding water availability, governance, and sustainability in the region