Slums Illuminate Path to Circular Cities in Developing Nations

Informal settlements, often referred to as slums, in the Global South offer
valuable insights for the development of circular cities in other developing
countries. Slums are typically characterised by insecure land tenure, limited
access to safe water, sanitation and housing.

This research comes at a time when the proportion of global population residing
in urban areas has experienced significant growth, with further substantial
expansion projected in developing regions. The increasing urbanisation trend
poses considerable stress on the environment and finite resources.
The study presents a model that outlines the activities of slum residents and how
these practices intersect with the core tenets of the circular economy. The
everyday practices in slums inherently reflect the principles of circular
economy, highlighting intricate connections between slum life and circular
economy principles.

Moreover, the research underscores that slum dwellers possess a deep
understanding of circular economy practices and show a strong commitment to
promoting circular waste design interventions. This knowledge is invaluable for
fostering collaborative relationships between urban planning authorities and
slum communities to drive circular city initiatives in developing countries.