Informal Settlements

Are hunger and child malnutrition increasingly becoming ‘urban problems?’

After decades of decline, global hunger and malnutrition are increasing. While on average urban children tend to fare better than rural children, one in three stunted children lives in the city. While obesity – the ā€˜other face’ of malnutrition – affects mostly adult urban residents, it also impacts urban children. The second Sustainable Development Goal Read more →

Space to play: how outside common spaces in informal settlements boost children’s development

Space to play: how outside common spaces in informal settlements boost children’s development

We often look at what’s wrong in slums and informal settlements. Here, I draw attention instead to one of their assets: the common space outside people’s homes. I explore its importance for children’s play and development, while unpacking the fluidity and changing nature of these spaces. And as increasing competition for their use leaves less Read more →