A dynamic analysis of tenure status in Africa’s urban housing markets

Abstract

There is a widespread narrative on the global housing crisis. To contribute to our collective understanding, this paper analyses housing outcomes in four urban centres in Ghana and Tanzania. We consider how outcomes change across five age cohorts differentiated by gender. We show that a very high percentage of older individuals achieve ownership, and many younger individuals are tenants. We also show that a small group remain dependent on others for housing, generally members of the extended family. Considerable concerns have been expressed in the academic literature and in policy debates about the significance of housing financialization, the increasing commodification of urban land and housing, and increasing housing inequalities with consequential impacts on urban well-being. This paper suggests that outcomes are context specific and that individuals are active in securing housing improvements. However, our findings also suggest that there may be structural changes leading to reduced opportunities. The findings have two policy implications. First, individuals have been able to improve their housing quality and security. Second, that a small but significant percentage of individuals (primarily women) remain dependent on others for housing and hence highly vulnerable. Responsible public agencies might usefully focus on the needs and interests of this group.