Livelihood Dynamics in Squatter Settlements: A Sociological Study of the Manohara Settlement

Abstract

Urban poverty and the growth of squatter settlements have together become major challenges, especially in rapidly urbanizing cities. This study examines the livelihood dynamics and challenges of urban poor households living in the Manohara squatter settlement. The study is mainly based on quantitative data collected through structured household surveys. The findings of this research show that the expansion of the settlement is closely influenced by internal migration. Unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and unequal urban development are equally associated with urban poverty, which is reflected in the Manohara squatter settlement. Most respondents in the Manohara squatter settlement were dependent on informal work and experienced unstable and insecure livelihoods. The study found that education, occupation, and poverty were closely associated with the livelihood strategy reflecting the complex and multidimensional nature of livelihoods in the squatter settlement. The level of squatter households was also positively associated with food sufficiency among them. Likewise, occupation and associated income influenced housing security and livelihood stability. Gender was also related to different livelihood challenges, which is significant to manage livelihood dynamics. The study shows that urban poverty within the settlement is complex and multidimensional. It is characterized by social exclusion, insecure housing, environmental vulnerability, and limited access to urban opportunities. The study concludes that effective urban policies for vulnerable social groups, who mainly live in urban squatter settlements, are important to address urban poverty in Nepal. Livelihood security, affordable housing, and participatory social protection programmes can help improve the living conditions of the urban poor, who mainly live in slums and squatter settlements.