Environments by Design

Abstract

Addressing the fallouts of +1.5oC in the world is one of the key environmental challenges in African cities. This paper reports a work that deals with climate adaptation in informal urban settlements, focusing on adaptation strategies to increasing temperature (heat stress) among residents and within households. Data within this study was collected through a survey which involved 405 residents selected through stratified random sampling within Keko Mchungwa settlement, Dar es Salaam. The survey questionnaire was derived from review of literature and earlier discussions and engagements with key stakeholders (residents, local govt officials, community groups) during a 2-day workshop. The Swahili house is the predominant typology and is characterized by small windows, low floor-ceiling height and high density (large population within a small spatial area). Over half of the houses (52.22%) are without ceiling, worsening the indoor heat. Less than half of residents have greenery (trees, grasses, shrubs) within immediate surrounding of their dwelling. Altering the housing structure for heat-resistant purposes are seldom practiced. Change wire mesh/net for better airflow (34.24%) and use of lighter curtain material (33.99%) are most popular of building-related practices within the settlement. We explain that greening housing stock within the settlement, through development of green infrastructure and building retrofits, is necessary. This can be done incrementally, for affordability, as part of upgrading.