Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Jimma City

Abstract

Informal settlements are characterized by unauthorized invasion and development of land, illegal subdivision, lack of basic social services and infrastructures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of Slum Settlement in Jimma City on the Life of Settlers: in Bore, Kofe, Ifa Bula and Hora Gibe Kebele’s, Jimma, Ethiopia. In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, primary and secondary data were collected. Literature review was conducted from available scholarly studies, land management manuals and program documents. Survey Questionnaires, interview and document review checklists were used as data collection tools. The survey questionnaire responses were analyzed by using cross sectional method. The research method used for the study was descriptive and explanatory research involving both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. Simple random sampling was used to conduct questionnaire to individual household heads in the areas of illegal settlement and this method was used in conjunction with interviews with municipal officials and questionnaires handed to 265 of informal settlement residents. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, tables and charts were used for quantitative data analysis and qualitative data were also analyzed using narration. Research findings concluded that informal settlements do pose socio-economic as well as environmental impacts towards the settlers which desperately needed the development of recommendations for change. The problem of slum settlement could be solved through all-inclusive approach. The government politicians and urban experts on different positions are expected to: build their administrative, financial and institutional capacities in order to carry out their responsibilities successfully, and resourcefully.