Bio-centers in Kibera and their correlation to development: A Qualitative Development Research Based on Empirical Data from a Slum Area in Nairobi
Author
Christensen, Anja Aagaard
Term
4. term
Publication year
2013
Submitted on
2013-08-30
Pages
120
Abstract
Denne afhandling spørger, hvorfor fattigdom består trods nutidens muligheder, og undersøger en konkret indsats i Nairobis uformelle bosættelser: lokale biocentre. Der findes 52 sådanne centre i Nairobi, hvor omkring 60% af byens cirka 4 millioner indbyggere bor i slumområder. Biocentrene er sanitetsbygninger med toiletter og brusere. Under sanitetsgulvet produceres biogas, og på anden sal findes mødelokaler eller kontorer. Alle kan bruge faciliteterne mod et lille gebyr, og personer uden penge kan i nogle tilfælde få adgang alligevel. Formålet er at give praktiske redskaber til at styrke brugen af biocentre i Kibera på baggrund af undersøgelsens konklusioner. Redskaberne kan støtte de mennesker, der arbejder i Kibera til daglig, og give viden til bevillingsgivere. Undersøgelsen bygger på empiriske data fra tre perspektiver: brugere af biocentrene, ansatte i NGO'en Umande Trust og den familie, som forskeren boede hos. Metoderne omfatter kvalitative interviews og deltagerobservation. Data er struktureret med Barney G. Glasers Grounded Theory, en metode der udvikler begreber ud fra data, for at identificere centrale temaer knyttet til hovedproblemet, se hvad der er forbedret siden biocentrenes indførelse i Kibera, og hvordan temaerne hænger sammen. Som supplement anvendes Pierre Bourdieus sociale begreber for at få en dybere forståelse af de kulturelle og traditionelle mønstre, der former menneskers adfærd. Samlet fokuserer studiet på, hvordan biocentrene påvirker beboernes udviklingsmuligheder og belyser både udfordringer og positive effekter. Problemformuleringen besvares gennem en kombination af empiri og teori og giver indsigter, der kan styrke biocentrenes rolle i lokal udvikling og den bredere fattigdomsbekæmpelse.
This thesis asks why poverty persists despite today's resources and examines one practical approach in Nairobi's informal settlements: community bio-centers. There are 52 such centers across the city, which has around 4 million residents, about 60% of whom live in slum areas. Bio-centers are sanitation buildings with toilets and showers. Beneath the sanitation floor, they produce biogas; above, a second floor offers meeting rooms or offices. Anyone can use the facilities for a small fee, and people who cannot pay on a given day may still be allowed access. The aim is to offer practical tools to strengthen how bio-centers are used in Kibera, based on the study's conclusions. These tools can support people working daily in Kibera and inform funding organizations. The research draws on empirical data from three perspectives: bio-center users; staff at the NGO Umande Trust; and the family with whom the researcher stayed. Methods include qualitative interviews and participant observation. The data were organized using Barney G. Glaser's Grounded Theory, a method that develops concepts from data, to identify key themes linked to the main research concern and to examine what has improved since bio-centers were introduced in Kibera and how these themes connect. A second analytical layer applies Pierre Bourdieu's social concepts to deepen understanding of the cultural and traditional patterns that shape people's behavior. Overall, the study focuses on how bio-centers influence residents' opportunities for development, considering both challenges and positive effects. The problem statement is addressed through the combined use of empirical evidence and theory, offering insights to enhance the role of bio-centers in local development and broader efforts to reduce poverty.
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Keywords