URBAN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND ADAPTATION IN HOPLEY, ZIMBABWE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17501/26028646.2025.4101Keywords:
climate change, informal settlement, resilience, poverty, sustainable development goalsAbstract
The susceptibility to the effects of climate change is intensified by the disparity and
exclusion associated with geographical location, ethnic background, gender, poverty, and other
economic and social determinants. This qualitative study investigated the living conditions of the
urban poor in informal settlements of Hopley, Zimbabwe and illustrate how the appropriation of
private, parochial, and public spaces by female residents of Hopley informal settlement affects their
ability to manage climatic risks. Informal settlements are characterized by substandard dwellings or
shanties constructed in violation of formal laws and regulations. The informal community of Hopley
do not have access to clean potable water or sufficient infrastructure for public health, drainage, and
essential services. This paper examined strategies for developing resistance to the impacts of climate
change by women in informal communities such as Hopley. The research offers valuable insights on
the varying degrees of women's participation in climate resilience development, based on a
comprehensive analysis of existing literature and in depth interviews of 12 women living in Hopley.
It additionally examined the measures being taken to tackle climate resilience in informal
settlements, specifically, initiatives sponsored by the local community to improve settlements and
strengthen their capacity to endure the effects of climate change and support marginalized
populations. Furthermore, the study explored strategies for overcoming obstacles to achieving larger
scale and effectiveness, such as using synergies with the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Anesu Mironga
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
