Abstract:
This study examined the effects of informal settlements on environmental management. Specifically, it aimed at identification of the socioeconomic effects of informal settlements on environmental management, examination of community role in environmental management in informal settlements and determination on the strategies that will improve environmental management in the study area.
The study was conducted in Temeke Municipality and Keko ward in particular. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires while secondary data were collected through interview. The study involved 102 respondents in which 95 were household respondents and 7 were key informants. Data collected were subjected to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), multiple response and Chi-square for analysis.
The study findings revealed that, socioeconomic effects of informal settlements have contributed negatively to environmental management. It was found that community role was ineffective to manage environments in informal settlements. It was further disclosed that environmental education, provision of environmental infrastructure and implementation of bylaws were found to be appropriate strategies for better environmental management in Temeke Municipality.
Based on the study findings, it is concluded that, the Temeke Municipality Council should prepare an effective municipal environmental policy to address environmental problems occurring in informal settlements. Strategies such as provision of environmental education, public and private sector partnership creation of dumping sites and adequate supply of facilities for environmental management through clearly organized programmes, plans and projects should be used to improve the sustainability of environmental resources at the household, Streets and Ward with an emphasis of reversing the negative effect of informal settlements on environmental resources. Finally, areas including environmental education and community participation in environmental management were suggested for further studies.
