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This study investigates the history and nature of the informal settlements or backyard shacks in Eastern Cape, South Africa. It deals with the economic activities, income and tenancy profile of backyard shack residents. Furthermore, it tries to contextualise the rental market and assess housing demand.

Detailing the demographic and socio-economic profile of informal settlements and backyard shacks, the authors concludes the following key lessons:

• an inter-sectoral committee led by a strong coordinating team is absolutely essential to the creation of integrated human settlements
• continuous engagement with all stakeholders in real participatory mechanisms are necessary to ensure that the appropriate approach is being utilised
• the approach needs to be sufficiently nuanced to include the most vulnerable and marginalised and not just those with the loudest voices
• access to various types of finance can be extremely useful in encouraging local beneficiaries to take some responsibility for their own housing provision
• the connection between livelihood strategies and sustainable human settlements and the ability to ensure that slums do not re-emerge is key
• strong partner support with multilateral organisations and NGOs can significantly enhance the success of local projects, but local governments should lead these projects rather than being dictated to by other parties.
  
  
  

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