The Effect of Integrated Housing Development Program on Housing Ownership of Lower-Income Groups: The Case of Dire Dawa

Abstract

Studies at certain urban centers in Ethiopia reveal the ineffectiveness of Integrated Housing Development Program (IHDP) in achieving some of its objectives. Identifying the contextual problems and their root causes plays a vital role in enhancing the program effectiveness so as to promote the housing ownership of lower income groups. The objective of this study was to critically describe and explore practical challenges and their root causes that hindered the effective implementation of the IHDP in the study area. To realize this, relevant theories and conceptual frameworks were reviewed in a way compatible with the study. Mostly qualitative data with few quantitative were collected from primary and secondary sources using questionnaire, interviews, focus group discussion, observation and document analysis. The data results were discussed with triangulation to arrive at conclusion. Accordingly, capacity and skill problems, financial constraints, problem of addressing the target groups, weak cooperation among implementing agencies, shortage of construction materials and corrupt practices  were identified as major  factors inhibited the effective implementation of the program whereas their major root causes were lack  of relevant pre-assessment  on the organization and  inadequate  training ,lack of diversified financial sources and low income of the target groups, lack of due attention and inflation, lack of clearly stipulated rules, inability to use local resources effectively, and weak transparency and accountability respectively.