Lagos stands as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, yet it also harbours some of the country’s most deplorable slums. These areas are characterised by profound poverty, where basic needs such as food, water, housing, healthcare, and education remain unmet.
Poverty is a multifaceted phenomenon which transcends mere financial considerations. Conventional methods often analyse poverty in Lagos slums with income criteria as the primary concern.
If an individual’s income falls below a specified threshold, they are considered impoverished. Though this method identifies financial distress it overlooks several dimensions of poverty, like inadequate access to education, healthcare, clean water, and satisfactory living conditions.
Assessing poverty necessitates a multifaceted framework rather than solely an income-based perspective. Multidimensional poverty entails examining various facets of deprivation to have a comprehensive understanding of the experience of living in poverty. It aids policymakers and researchers in recognising that an individual may continue to face difficulties despite having some income due to the lack of other vital services.
In a study examining poverty in the slums of Lagos State, three fellow development economists, including Oluwaseyi Omowunmi Popogbe, employed a mathematical framework to model multidimensional poverty. They employed the fuzzy set method. The fuzzy set method emerged in the 1990s as a substitute for relying solely on financial indicators to measure poverty.
The conventional monetary approach often categorises individuals as either “poor” or “not poor” according to defined thresholds. Poverty manifests on a continuum, with individuals encountering varying degrees of lack in multiple facets of their existence. The fuzzy set methodology addresses this by allocating varying degrees of membership to distinct poverty indicators.
The researchers identified significant disparities in poverty, as measured by a multidimensional score, among slums in Lagos State. Their discoveries will allow economists and policymakers to discern the many forms of deprivation experienced by individuals in slums. This should assist them in comprehending how to enhance their lives in a more focused and efficient manner.
The Lagos story
The research concentrated on five major slums situated near the coastline in Lagos State. As part of a $200 million loan initiative, the World Bank has designated these slums for enhancement to improve drainage and solid waste management.
They selected 400 participants from the five slums: Makoko, Iwaya, Ilaje, Ijora Badia, and Amukoko.
Avijit Hazra and Nithya J. Gogtay, experts in biostatistics and research technique, assert that a minimum of 384 samples is suitable for a big population size. Nonetheless, the chosen sample for this study constrains the capacity to generalise the findings to other slums, particularly those with distinct characteristics.
The multidimensional poverty index reached its peak in Makoko and Iwaya. These scores signify extreme poverty since they exceed the threshold of 0.50.
Conversely, Amukoko exhibited the lowest multidimensional poverty index, indicating milder deprivation across all measures.
Makoko and Iwaya face substantial challenges in education, sanitation, and nutrition, which contribute to their higher poverty rates compared to other communities.
Makoko’s coastal position, characterised by improvised housing and inadequate infrastructure, exacerbates its susceptibility. Iwaya faces comparable difficulties in educational and healthcare services. These characteristics render both places more impoverished than other slums.
Among the three primary aspects of poverty assessed, education exhibited the greatest level of deprivation across all localities. This underscored the restricted formal education in the population.
Makoko and Iwaya demonstrated the most significant educational deficits. Notwithstanding certain advancements, especially in child enrolment, many neighbourhoods continue to exhibit significant disadvantages.
The second dimension that demonstrated a significant disadvantage was living standards. Variations existed among various slums. Makoko and Iwaya experienced a higher prevalence of sanitation issues.
The third dimension in the category of severe deprivation was health. Indicators encompassed mortality and nutrition. Numerous slums experienced elevated mortality and nutrition, significantly influencing their multidimensional poverty indices.
Other localities, such as Amukoko, demonstrated superior sanitation results. Conversely, the indicators for electricity, flooring, and cooking fuel typically exhibited reduced levels of deprivation, with the majority of slums registering scores around or below 0.03 in these categories.
The incidence of both severe and minor ailments, along with inadequate medical care, resulted in elevated mortality rates. Inadequate sanitation may contribute to health problems.
In Makoko and Iwaya, the lack of proper sanitation facilities and waste management has resulted in the disposal of refuse into the waterways.
Notwithstanding this, personal hygiene practices, including the use of clean water, soap, and regular brushing, were widespread. This contributed to maintaining a relatively low sanitation score in comparison to other health-related concerns.
Other slums exhibited comparatively superior garbage collection systems and enhanced sanitation standards.
What must be done?
One cannot improve the quality of life in Amukoko, Makoko, and Iwaya without addressing many faces of poverty, including inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services. These densely populated areas, often characterised by informal settlements, lack of proper sanitation, and insufficient housing, can become hubs of opportunity and sustainable living with targeted interventions. Such an endeavour involves a multitude of complexities and opportunities.
Infrastructure is a critical foundation for improving slum conditions. Roads and transportation systems must connect slum residents to the broader city, offering better mobility and economic opportunities. The people of these slums cannot educate themselves or participate in the economy without affordable public transport tailored to their needs.
There is also the question of reliable electricity and energy solutions, such as extending the grid or introducing renewable energy options like solar panels, which can provide consistent power to households. Offering subsidised rates for the use of sustainable energy to low-income families would significantly improve their situation.
Of course, clean drinking water and proper sanitation are equally vital. Installing piped water systems, boreholes, and community toilets, along with effective waste management solutions, significantly reduces health risks and improves living conditions.
One of the most important facets is housing in slums, which requires special attention. Imagine the impact that government and NGO partnerships can achieve through affordable housing projects, ensuring durable homes for these unfortunate individuals.
Only if financial institutions are willing to lend them microloans and subsidies, can their livelihoods and economic independence significantly improve. In a similar vein, granting land titles offers security and reduces the constant threat of eviction, fostering a sense of stability. Finally, none of the above would mean anything without the legal frameworks in place to protect residents from exploitation and to ensure fair and equitable treatment within the housing sector.
For slum dwellers, education is a transformative process. Free schools in the area can raise literacy rates and skill levels among the young. Providing scholarships, free uniforms, and learning materials ensures that education is accessible to all. Vocational training centres provide practical skills that enhance employability, focusing on trades like carpentry, tailoring, and IT.
The education process shouldn’t stop with children, as adult education programmes, including literacy and financial literacy workshops, empower older residents to manage their resources effectively and explore new economic opportunities.
Without a doubt, healthcare access is another pillar of improved quality of life. Community clinics that offer affordable or even free services could ensure that residents receive the essential care that they deserve. But it all begins with training health workers in first aid and preventive care, which address immediate health concerns.
Almost all communities aiming to improve life expectancy and quality of life prioritise health campaigns, including vaccination drives and disease screenings. Women and children are often the most vulnerable groups in any community, and targeted programmes for maternal and child health can significantly reduce mortality rates.
Adding cleanliness drives to the mix to educate residents about hygiene and encourage waste segregation and recycling significantly raises awareness and creates jobs.
Economic empowerment is crucial for encouraging self-sufficiency within slums. Job creation through the establishment of micro-industries and cooperative businesses can provide local employment opportunities. Government policies promoting local businesses to hire from these areas alleviate unemployment.
Access to microfinance, including low-interest microloans, supports small businesses and fosters financial independence. Programmes for skill development equip residents with the necessary skills to compete in the job market. Partnerships with companies for internships and apprenticeships provide invaluable practical experience.
Community engagement and leadership are essential for sustainable development. Local committees representing residents’ interests ensure participatory governance and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Platforms for youth and women to voice their concerns contribute to building inclusive communities.
Programmes addressing gender equality and domestic violence enhance social well-being. Systems for peaceful conflict resolution prevent disputes from escalating, while training community leaders in mediation strengthens social harmony.
Green spaces, such as parks and recreational areas, can improve mental and physical health. Urban farming projects provide fresh produce and promote self-sufficiency. Renewable energy projects, including community solar farms and biogas systems, reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Training residents to maintain these systems ensures sustainability and creates jobs. Disaster resilience measures, such as flood control systems and disaster preparedness training, protect lives and property.
Regular audits and feedback mechanisms enhance accountability and outcomes. Integrating slum development into broader urban planning ensures that these efforts align with the city’s growth. Policies promoting affordable housing, healthcare, and education address systemic inequalities and create a more inclusive urban environment.
Digital literacy programmes, coupled with affordable access to smartphones and internet connections, can bridge the digital divide and enhance employability. Smart solutions, such as apps for reporting infrastructure issues, improve service delivery.
Telemedicine services bring healthcare to residents’ doorsteps. Data-driven planning, which utilises information on slum demographics and needs, guarantees targeted and effective interventions.
Promoting local arts, crafts, and cultural events fosters a sense of identity and pride within the community. Patronage of local artists provides socio-economic benefits, and mentorship programmes pair young residents with professionals who inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Success stories not only boost morale and motivation within the community, but sports and recreational activities also enhance community cohesion and physical fitness, thereby improving the overall quality of life.
Partnerships and collaborations can improve slum conditions, government-NGOs can ensure efficient resource use, and joint programmes can address multiple issues simultaneously. Similarly, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities) initiatives can fund vital projects, including skill training and employment programmes. International aid and collaborations with global organisations bring expertise and resources, enabling innovative solutions.
Amukoko, Makoko, and Iwaya slums demand a comprehensive approach combining infra-development, education, healthcare, and financial empowerment with sustainable practices and community engagement.
Tailored interventions, designed with inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, can transform these areas into vibrant, thriving communities. By encouraging partnerships between governments, NGOs, and residents, the potential for meaningful change becomes a reality, offering hope and opportunity for all.