Regular Ph.D. Fellow, Cohort 2023

Research Interests

My research interests span these fields:

• Housing inequalities 
• Urban development 
• Disaster risk management 
• Urban informal economy 

Dissertation topic
Housing the Urban Poor: Exploring the Shadow Care Infrastructures in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

Dissertation abstract
Amid the skyscrapers and busy streets, lies a profound reality often overlooked — the struggle for adequate shelter faced by millions of urban dwellers. The rapid urbanisation in developing countries, particularly in Africa, has exacerbated housing challenges for the urban poor. This research focuses on the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) in Ghana, where a significant housing deficit and high costs of living force many into inadequate living conditions. The study aims to explore the housing deprivation experiences of the urban poor and the strategies they employ to navigate these challenges. Utilising the 'Shadow Care Infrastructures' conceptual approach, the research will investigate the geographies of deprivation, state and informal care systems, and survival practices among the urban poor. By adopting a mixed-methods approach through Grounded Theory, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted housing issues faced by the urban poor in GAMA and to identify effective strategies to improve their living conditions. The findings are expected to inform policy development aimed at addressing housing inequities and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable urban populations in Ghana.

Academic Supervisors
Olaf Groh-Samberg