Social planning with the urban poor: new government strategies in the making release_rev_9991a699-a243-4071-98f3-631fc1d2c971

Abstract

The problem of a rapidly increasing and disorganized urban population has not received its deserved attention. Recently, the magnitude of the problem of unplanned urban growth has become more apparent, and governments are directing their attention to remedial efforts. The biggest challenge, is to devise strategies appropriate to the diverse regions involved and to secure the cooperation of the urban populations in carrying out these strategies. Shortage of funds again makes it imperative to involve communities productively. Micro projects which were considered adequate in the past are proving to be unequal to this new task. The theme of this journal issue is the development of policies, strategies and programs to effectively meet the needs of women and children living in slums and shanty towns, and on finding ways in which the basic services strategy can be applied in urban underprivileged areas. 4 case studies, 2 in Latin America and 2 in Asia, of innovative approaches assisted by UNICEF are included in this issue. The different settings of Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Kuala Lumpur and Colombo reveal large differences in the scope and nature of the problem and the means used to correct it. Also included are the results of field research in 6 developing countries which provide recommendations for alternative approaches to child care in keeping with mothers' work schedules in both rural and urban areas.
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