Public policies and community practices

The Habitat International Coalition conducted research in 22 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia, investigating public policy in housing and services since the 1950s. The findings are summarised here. Rural and urban development policies are considered, including housing shortages and types of housing, the consequences of relying on aid, and discussion of the different actors designing social policy. Finally, the author lists ingredients that seem to contribute to the success of housing and service provision.