As Formalidades do "Informal. Da autoprodução à produção social do habitat. Um olhar sobre os bairros pericentrais de Maputo

Abstract

Alternative and autonomous practices of urban space and housing self-production emerge as a solution in face of existing vulnerabilities exacerbating by limited public authorities' responses in terms of inclusive urban planning. Such practices arise with more evidence in contexts of significant increase in urbanization rates and population growth, as is the case of Maputo, among many cities in sub-Saharan countries. Mozambique's current rapid urbanization, rural-urban migratory dynamics and population growth (addressed in Part I) are factors accentuating the socioeconomic and habitability disparities that already exist in areas occupied by groups with scarce resources and neglected by the formal instruments of spatial planning (as explored in Part II). In a close articulation between the theoretical background introduced in Part I and the empirical cases explained in Parts II and III, the intention is to understand the factors of emergence of the practices of space self- production and housing self-construction, as well as the measures implemented that influenced them in three peri-central neighbourhoods of the city of Maputo: Chamanculo C, Maxaquene A and Polana Caniço A, by exploring the specificities of land occupation and use dynamics and their spatial conditions. The analysis also focuses on the discourses and paradigms of intervention in these areas, reflected in the formal instruments for land use planning, as well as on urban and housing strategies and interventions, investigating the logic of coexistence with customary practices. Through the three case studies and the analysed initiatives, the research aims to identify which initiatives and actions, carried out by residents and other urban actors (municipal authorities, community-based organizations, civil society institutions, NGOs, academia and agencies and cooperation partners), have shown a better impact on habitat regeneration. With this analysis, this thesis identifies what specific factors can lead to a social production of the habitat starting from self-production practices, in particular highlighting the combination of resources that are necessary from each part, the collaborative approaches and the respect of the logic of space production based on the specific socioeconomic and cultural context. The investigation emphasizes, on the one hand, the recognition and appreciation of the capacities of residents in the production of the habitat, and on the other hand, the need of the actors operating in the urban environment to increase their willingness for urban transformation and action, guaranteeing multidisciplinary, multidimensional and multiscale intervention mechanisms. These pillars of analysis validate the hypothesis that the social production of habitat requires an inclusive and integrated approach tthrough technical assistance, articulating the various actors involved and, above all, sustaining community involvement and participation, in a balanced combination of local and technical knowledges. Although this approach has already been experimented in some areas of Maputo city, it needs to be reinforced, integrated, institutionalized and financed, enhancing the synergy among all the involved actors with a view to a more participatory and equitable urban development