Urbanization in Madagascar has accelerated rapidly over recent decades, leading to significant challenges in managing informal settlements and providing adequate social welfare services. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data on urban population growth with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions among residents and local government officials. Informal settlements in Madagascar's cities house approximately 40% of the urban population, facing challenges such as inadequate sanitation facilities (35% of households lack access to clean water) and insufficient healthcare services (20% report difficulties accessing medical care). The analysis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive urban planning strategies that integrate informal settlements into city development plans, alongside targeted social welfare reforms. Recommendations include increased investment in infrastructure projects specifically designed to benefit informal settlement communities and enhanced collaboration between municipal authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve service delivery efficiency.
Rafanalahy Andrianarivony (Wed,) studied this question.