“Information is power only if used “-improving tenure security in informal settlements using participatory data collection: the case of informal settlements in Gobabis, Namibia

Menare Royal Mabakeng

Land and Property Science, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia

The paper investigates land tenure security of informal settlers, and how socio-economic and spatial data generated by communities themselves has been used in aiding the implementation of solutions, that are pro-poor and Fit for Purpose. Additionally, it provides a description on how enumeration has an influence on the perception of tenure security. The major question addressed in the paper is, could participatory enumerations be a catalyst for improving services and registering land rights? Can the data that informal settlers produce be suitable for use in planning and land rights registration?
The paper considers data producers and data users, in the investigation. There is a consensus amongst researchers that information is power, the paper concludes with recommendations on how data ownership by community and local authorities could improve inclusive planning for informal settlement communities.

Event: Annual World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty 2019

Document type:“Information is power only if used “-improving tenure security in informal settlements using participatory data collection: the case of informal settlements in Gobabis, Namibia (1204 kB - pdf)