User-Initiated House Transformation for Income Generation; The Case of Individual Private Neighborhood in Woreda 07, Akaki Kality, Addis Ababa
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Date
2022-10-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
As the capital, Addis Ababa struggles to accommodate influx of population, it is apparent that changes on all levels and sectors are taking place. Spatially the city has been densifying and the built-up elements are increasing so as to keep up with the housing demand of the people. This research focuses on the transformations that took place in a dominantly private owned settlement located in Akaki Kality, Woreda 07, for the purpose of income generation. And the kind of transformations that took place and for what functions these transformed spaces are used, the challenges of the transformations and the prospects. To study these aspects, data was collected from selected households in the study area using semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews with sub city office employee and Woreda level building permit office. According to the data collected the research found that transformation of housing/compound for the purpose of income generation is common and they are continuing transforming and planning to transform. Based on the studied cases the residents were able to accommodate their needs and cope with the spatial transformations that directly impact them socio economically. These transformations have posed some challenges like landuse incompatibility, accessibility issue due to overflow of activities and in some cases pollution of sound for residents. The transformations are consciously planned activities done by each transformer, although it is an unplanned and spontaneous development at a neighborhood level as it‟s not planned cohesively and conclusively for the area. The study concludes that the residents‟ livelihood is directly linked to the housing/compound they own as they derive their significant portion of income from it. Reinforcing the sustainable livelihood framework that entails that livelihood is directly linked to the physical capital and the factors such as policy and regulation being factors mediating the dynamic. The ownership status of the residents has given them a level of freedom and rights in exploring ways in transforming to generate income from the physical capital they possess. Based on the findings, the recommended points are to regularize the transformations taking place at a compound level and planning intervention at a neighborhood level so as to minimize the challenges caused by the transformations and to maximize the benefit the transformers gain.
Keywords: housing transformation, income generation, private owned housing,