Perceived security of tenure and housing consolidation in informal settlements: case studies from urban Fiji

Abstract

quatter or informal settlements are an ever growing feature of the Fijian urban landscape. This study investigates the nature of perceived security of tenure and housing consolidation in seven informal settlements across Fiji. Understanding of the security of tenure needs to move beyond a legal/illegal dichotomy and focus on perceived security of tenure, which accepts that a much wider continuum of land-use rights typically exists. Housing consolidation or �self-help� housing improvements are also linked to security of tenure but have not been sufficiently investigated through a perceived security-of-tenure framework, especially with respect to the use of customary land. The study finds that both perceived security of tenure and housing consolidation are greater than might be expected. Policy implications are discussed and interventions are encouraged that look to increase perceived security of tenure and housing consolidation in existing settlements. Show more