How the upgrading of informal settlements is measured by the multisectoral organizations

Abstract

This master's research paper investigates the diverse methodologies employed by multisectoral organizations in measuring the success of informal settlement upgrading initiatives. Focusing on South Africa, the study focuses on what informal settlements upgrading is, the measurement and indicators utilized by these organizations to gauge the effectiveness of their interventions. Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study employs qualitative interviews to capture the breadth and depth of informal settlements upgrading and the measurement practices. Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders provided nuanced insights into the rationale behind chosen metrics, challenges faced in measurement, and the perceived outcomes of the upgrading efforts. Findings reveal consistent and coherent measurement practices across different organizations, reflecting the common goal of upgrading informal settlements instead of eradicating them as eradication could be interpreted differently and might cause distress to communities. The study explores commonalities and variations in metrics, shedding light on the factors influencing organizational choices in measurement frameworks. This research contributes to the scholarship on urban development by providing a comprehensive understanding of how multisectoral organizations approach the measurement of informal settlement upgrading. The insights gained from this study have the potential to inform best practices, enhance cross-sectoral collaboration, and guide the development of standardized metrics for evaluating the impact of multisectoral interventions on informal settlements.