Social Capital: Higher Resilience in Slums in the Lagos Metropolis

Olabisi S. Obaitor, Taibat O. Lawanson, Marion Stellmes and Tobia Lakes
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Olabisi S. Obaitor: Applied Geoinformation Science, Institute of Geography, Humboldt University of Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
Taibat O. Lawanson: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, University Road, Akoka 100213, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Marion Stellmes: Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Malteserstr. 74-100, 12249 Berlin, Germany
Tobia Lakes: Applied Geoinformation Science, Institute of Geography, Humboldt University of Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-18

Abstract: Different slums exhibit different levels of resilience against the threat of eviction. However, little is known about the role of the social capital of the slum community in this context. This study investigates the factors contributing to slum resilience in the Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria, through a social capital lens. This study first investigates land allocation in slums, then the available social capital, and subsequently how this capital influences resilience to the threat of eviction in slums. Data were collected in two slum communities, in Lagos, through in-depth interviews and focus groups discussion. This study shows that land allocation is done by the traditional heads, contrarily to the mandate of the Nigeria Land Use Act of 1978. Furthermore, there is a form of structural social capital through the presence of government registered community development associations in the slums; however, their activities, decision-making process and the perception of the residents’ towards their respective associations, differs. This led to differences in trust, social cohesion and bonding ties among residents of the slum, thereby influencing resilience to the threat of eviction in slums. Since community group associations, through the appointed executives, drive the efficient utilization of social capital in slums, this study therefore recommends their restructuring in order to support a sustainable solution to the threat of eviction in slums in Lagos.

Keywords: social capital; community groups; community action; slum resilience; Lagos (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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