Role of Community Participation in Affordable Housing

ABSTRACT

Community participation involves involvement of citizens in planning development programs and is an effective approach in the growth and development of a community. Little is known, however, about the extent to which community participation is effective in planning affordable housing programs. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of community participation through a government redevelopment housing project in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala. This research also tries to investigate the role of women members from the community in the housing project. Data were collected through field survey and personal interviews with the heads of households or senior members of the selected households. Both qualitative and quantitative date were analyzed through eight themes of livability. This was done because, after conducting a review of the available literature on affordable housing, it was determined that livability (quality of life and user happiness) has a positive correlation with affordability. To have an affordable housing delivery model the factors that are responsible in improving the livability standards of the community needs to be looked at first. The result of the study suggests that when community members are empowered with adequate and accurate skills and information, they are more likely to make informed choices and decisions. The study promotes positive social change by strengthening the women members of the community by making them financial literate, providing them with livelihood opportunities and access to information related to government schemes.

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