| dc.description.abstract | The nature of property rights society vests in individuals or groups and the
manner in which those rights are exercised through a land tenure system have
implications for the sustainable use of land. Using Kosovo and Kambi Moto
informal settlements in Nairobi as case studies, the researcher investigated
whether improving land tenure security would lead to sustainable land use and
eventual improvement of the environment in informal settlements. In this study,
the researcher outlines the fact that informal settlements have become common
phenomena in urban areas in developing countries and faced by a myriad of
challenges. The findings presented in the study show that with the prevailing
insecure tenure, urban dwellers in the informal settlements lack incentives to
engage in any meaningful sustainable land use. Thus the prevailing land use is
characterized by among others unplanned land use activities such as construction
of temporary shelters and informal sector activities, unsatisfactory solid waste
disposal, problems associated with open sewer system, air and water pollution
from industrial activities, unsustainable urban agriculture practices, and
occupation of riparian reserves. This scenario ensues because residents are not
assured of their ownership of the land they occupy, thus they are sensitive to the
fact that anytime the rightful owner could claim the land. Therefore, building
from the social relations theory in property, this study recommends and positions
the continued clamor for land rights and ultimately environmental rights by the
urban poor on the provision of secure tenure. Nevertheless, such tenure should
clearly clarify the duties and responsibilities of those occupying land in the
informal settlements towards sustainable use of the land. | en_US |
