Every model has a story, every story has a model
What's Missing?
Innovating Interdisciplinary Methods for Hard-to-Reach Environments
In an increasingly complex world, understanding hard-to-reach environments is more critical than ever. Our research proposal aims to innovate interdisciplinary methods to study such environments, focusing on informal settlements where traditional data collection is challenging. By bringing together diverse methodologies, we seek to answer the central question:
In what ways do residents of informal settlements innovate to adapt to (im)provision of safety and security?
Methodology
We employ a multi-method approach integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques:
Case Studies
Khayelitsha Site-C (Ikwezi Park), Cape Town, South Africa
Khayelitsha is one of South Africa's largest and fastest-growing informal settlements. Residents face challenges like limited access to basic services and high crime rates. Despite these hurdles, the community demonstrates resilience through self-organization and solidarity.​
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Challenges:
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Overcrowding and densification.
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Limited access to clean water and sanitation.
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Slow police response leading to community-led security initiatives.
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Adaptation Strategies:
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Formation of neighborhood watch programs.
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Community leadership in addressing safety concerns.
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Villa Caracas, Barranquilla, Colombia
Originally established for internally displaced Colombians, Villa Caracas has seen rapid growth due to the influx of Venezuelan migrants. The settlement grapples with precarious living conditions and a lack of formal services.​
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Challenges:
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Susceptibility to environmental hazards like landslides.
Inaccessibility to public transportation.
Absence of government-provided utilities like water and electricity.
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Adaptation Strategies:
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Community efforts to connect homes to electricity.
Collective action to prevent disconnection by authorities.
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