Adversities Livelihood and Copping Strategies of Slum Area Residents in Gondar City: North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Slum development has been negative result of urbanization in developing country like Ethiopia. One of the metropolitan cities in Ethiopia, Gondar faced this problem. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the physical environment, means of livelihood, health situation and social network of residents in Gojjo sefer slum area in Gondar city. Qualitative research design, phenomenological approach was employed to understand the real life experience of slum dweller in the study area. 35 participants were sampled purposively among 83 total habitants. Accordingly, data was collected by in-depth interview, key informant interview and field observation. The findings show that, congested and poorly constructed housing, inadequate infrastructure and social service provision characterize the area. Most of the dwellers are immigrants from rural area engaged in petty economic activities as a means of livelihood. The dwellers have being suffered from varieties of problems such as low income, lack of health care services and are exposed to frequent disease such as diarrhea, fever and chronic illnesses. Keywords: slum, livelihood, adversities, dwellers DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-9-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2020