Transforming Urban Spaces: Slum Upgrading and Informal Settlement Management Training Course

Introduction

Informal settlements and slums represent a significant and growing challenge in urban areas worldwide, characterized by inadequate housing, lack of basic services, and insecure tenure, impacting the lives of over a billion people. Addressing these complex issues requires a nuanced and sensitive approach that moves beyond demolition and displacement to embrace participatory upgrading, sustainable management, and the integration of marginalized communities into the broader urban fabric. Effective strategies are crucial for fostering inclusive cities and achieving equitable development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip urban planners, city officials, community development professionals, non-profit leaders, and real estate developers with the essential knowledge and practical tools to understand the dynamics of informal settlements and to design and implement effective slum upgrading and management strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of participatory methodologies, land tenure regularization, infrastructure provision, and socio-economic integration, empowering them to contribute effectively to the creation of more just, resilient, and opportunity-rich urban environments.

Target Audience

  • Urban Planners and City Officials.
  • Community Development Professionals and Activists.
  • Social Housing Providers and Non-Profit Organization Leaders.
  • Policymakers and Legislators focused on urban poverty.
  • Land Management and Tenure Specialists.
  • Infrastructure Development Professionals.
  • Public Health Officials in urban areas.
  • Researchers and Academics in urban studies.

Duration: 5 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and drivers of informal settlements and slums.
  • Grasp the various approaches and models for slum upgrading and informal settlement management.
  • Analyze the socio-economic, environmental, and health challenges within informal settlements.
  • Comprehend methodologies for participatory planning and community engagement in upgrading.
  • Evaluate strategies for land tenure regularization and security for informal residents.
  • Develop practical skills in assessing infrastructure needs and planning for service provision.
  • Navigate the complexities of financing and funding slum upgrading initiatives.
  • Formulate robust strategies for integrating informal settlements into the formal city.
  • Understand the role of governance and policy in supporting upgrading efforts.
  • Champion a human rights-based and inclusive approach to urban development.

Course Content

  1. Understanding Informal Settlements and Slums
  • Defining informal settlements, slums, and their global prevalence.
  • Causes and drivers of informal urbanization.
  • Characteristics: inadequate housing, lack of services, insecure tenure.
  • Socio-economic profiles of slum dwellers and their livelihoods.
  • Global trends and the urgency of intervention.
  1. Approaches to Slum Upgrading and Management
  • Overview of different strategies: in-situ upgrading, resettlement, prevention.
  • Historical evolution of upgrading approaches.
  • Principles of participatory and community-led upgrading.
  • Integrated approaches combining infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods.
  • Case studies of successful and challenging upgrading initiatives.
  1. Land Tenure Regularization and Security
  • The importance of secure land tenure for informal residents.
  • Various methods of tenure regularization: titling, leases, collective tenure.
  • Legal and policy frameworks supporting tenure security.
  • Challenges in land administration and property rights.
  • Strategies for engaging communities in tenure regularization processes.
  1. Infrastructure and Basic Service Provision
  • Assessing infrastructure deficits in informal settlements (water, sanitation, electricity).
  • Planning for the provision of basic services: technical options and standards.
  • Innovative and affordable service delivery models.
  • Waste management and drainage solutions for dense urban areas.
  • Integrating local infrastructure with city-wide networks.
  1. Housing Improvement and Reconstruction
  • Strategies for improving existing housing structures.
  • Promoting incremental housing and self-help construction.
  • Designing affordable and culturally appropriate housing solutions.
  • Managing reconstruction in post-disaster or post-relocation contexts.
  • Building materials and construction techniques for upgrading.
  1. Community Participation and Empowerment
  • The role of community organizations and local leadership.
  • Participatory planning methodologies for upgrading projects.
  • Building community capacity for decision-making and project implementation.
  • Ensuring inclusive participation of vulnerable groups.
  • Conflict resolution and consensus building in community processes.
  1. Socio-Economic Development and Livelihoods
  • Strategies for enhancing livelihoods in informal settlements.
  • Promoting micro-enterprises and informal sector integration.
  • Access to education, healthcare, and social services.
  • Addressing issues of gender, youth, and disability in upgrading.
  • Creating economic opportunities within upgraded areas.
  1. Financing Slum Upgrading Initiatives
  • Sources of finance: public budgets, international aid, community savings.
  • Leveraging private sector investment in upgrading.
  • Microfinance for housing improvements and small businesses.
  • Value capture mechanisms in upgraded areas.
  • Ensuring financial sustainability and affordability for residents.
  1. Governance and Policy Frameworks
  • The role of local government in slum upgrading.
  • Developing supportive national and local policies for informal settlements.
  • Institutional coordination across government agencies.
  • Legal and regulatory reforms to enable upgrading.
  • Decentralization and strengthening municipal capacity.
  1. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Future Directions
  • Developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for upgrading projects.
  • Measuring social, economic, and environmental impacts.
  • Learning from successes and failures in upgrading initiatives.
  • Emerging trends in informal settlement management (e.g., technology, climate resilience).
  • The future of inclusive urban development.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport Pick Up is provided by the institute. Accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

 

Transforming Urban Spaces: Slum Upgrading And Informal Settlement Management Training Course in Cyprus
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