Question

Explain four causes of growth of slums.

Hint:

The growth of slums is driven by rapid urbanization, lack of affordable housing, poverty, and inadequate urban planning, which leads to overcrowded and informal settlements.

Answer 1

Slums are often a byproduct of rapid urbanization, poverty, and lack of effective planning. The growth of slums is driven by several factors:
Step 1: Rapid Urbanization
One of the main causes of slum growth is the rapid migration of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of better employment and living conditions. However, due to a lack of affordable housing, these migrants end up living in overcrowded and underdeveloped areas, leading to the growth of slums.
Step 2: Lack of Affordable Housing
As cities grow, the demand for housing increases, but the supply of affordable housing does not keep pace. This mismatch results in the proliferation of informal settlements, or slums, where people live in inadequate housing conditions without proper access to sanitation, healthcare, or education.
Step 3: Poverty and Low Income
Poverty is another significant driver of slum growth. Low-income individuals and families are unable to afford proper housing and are forced to settle in slums, where living conditions are substandard. Without adequate financial resources, they are unable to access better housing options or improve their living conditions.
Step 4: Lack of Urban Planning
In many developing countries, cities are expanding without proper urban planning or infrastructure development. The absence of clear zoning laws and regulations leads to the encroachment of slums in areas that are not suitable for residential living, such as floodplains or areas without access to basic services like clean water and sanitation.