(MENAFN – The Conversation) Lagos is Nigeria’s economic hub, yet it has some of the country’s most severe slums. These slums face extreme poverty, lacking basic needs like food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education.
Poverty is complex and includes more than just income. Traditional studies focus on income levels, which ignore other critical aspects like education and healthcare access. A broader view, known as multidimensional poverty, provides a clearer picture of what life is like for those living in poverty.
In our study of Lagos slums, we applied a fuzzy set approach to assess multidimensional poverty. This method recognizes that poverty exists on a spectrum, allowing for a more nuanced understanding rather than simply labeling people as “poor” or “not poor.”
We focused on five coastal slums: Makoko, Iwaya, Ilaje, Ijora Badia, and Amukoko, selecting 400 respondents. Although this sample size is adequate, it may not represent other slums with different characteristics.
Key Findings
Our research revealed Makoko and Iwaya as having the highest poverty levels, particularly in education, sanitation, and nutrition. Makoko’s coastal location and poor infrastructure worsen its challenges.
Education was the most significant area of deprivation across all communities. Although there have been improvements in school enrollments, both Makoko and Iwaya still face significant educational challenges.
Sanitation and health issues also posed serious challenges, particularly in Makoko and Iwaya, where waste management is poor. However, some communities, like Amukoko, demonstrated better sanitation practices.
Recommendations
Policymakers must focus on education initiatives by enhancing access to quality schools and adult literacy programs. Improving sanitation infrastructure, especially in Makoko and Iwaya, is crucial to reduce health risks.
Distinct strategies should be adopted for different slums based on their unique conditions. For example, coastal slums require more intensive interventions compared to those like Amukoko. Proactive measures are also necessary to support slums nearing severe poverty, like Ilaje and Ijora Badia.
Data-driven approaches can help identify priority areas, guiding the development of specific policies that cater to the unique needs of each community.
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