Nina Quintas, Pierre Arnold & others
urbaMonde
2023
🌍 Context and Background The studies on access to land and finance for community-led housing (CLH) initiatives were coordinated by Nina Quintas and Pierre Arnold from urbaMonde, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting non-speculative housing solutions. The research draws on collaborative efforts of the CoHabitat Network, which includes various grassroots organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions. The first study was published in October 2021, followed by the second in May 2022, providing insights into the pressing challenges and innovative solutions in the realm of sustainable housing across different regions. 🏘️ Key Findings from Study 1 The first study highlights numerous case studies from Africa, Europe, and Latin America that showcase successful approaches to securing land and finance for CLH projects. For instance, the Granby 4 Streets Community Land Trust in the UK revitalized a Liverpool neighborhood by utilizing a community land trust model that prevented demolitions through various financial sources, including interest-free loans and grants. In Colombia, the Ecovillage Aldea Feliz exemplified collective ownership and self-building practices, focusing on sustainability and affordability through local materials. Another noteworthy example is the Barrio Intercultural in Argentina, which facilitated the return of ancestral land to the Mapuche people, fostering affordable housing while respecting cultural heritage. 💰 Insights from Study 2 The second study delves into financial mechanisms that support CLH projects globally, presenting additional case studies from countries like Zimbabwe, Uruguay, Brazil, Switzerland, and Germany. The Dzivarasekwa Slum Upgrading Project in Zimbabwe utilized a municipal financial facility to enhance informal settlements via community savings groups. In Uruguay, the COVICOFU Cooperative secured land tenure for informal workers through state loans and subsidies, while Brazil's Cooperativa Esperança constructed housing despite legislative gaps. In Switzerland, the Mehr als Wohnen initiative in Zurich promotes social diversity and sustainability in its financial planning, and the Spreefeld Cooperative in Berlin offers innovative financial structures to combat gentrification while maintaining affordable rents. 🤝 Conclusion Both studies underline the critical importance of collaboration among communities, governments, and NGOs in overcoming barriers to affordable housing. They emphasize that diverse financial strategies can be effectively tailored to local contexts, thereby supporting sustainable urban development and enhancing access to housing in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.
The two studies provided by the CoHabitat Network focus on community-led housing (CLH) initiatives across different regions, specifically addressing the challenges of accessing land and finance. Below is a summary of each study with key findings, context, and publication details.
Study 1: Access to Land & Finance for Community-Led Housing
Context and Authors: This study was coordinated by Nina Quintas and Pierre Arnold from urbaMonde, with contributions from Léa Vidal. It was published in October 2021. The study is a collaborative effort of the CoHabitat Network, which includes grassroots organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions working towards non-speculative housing solutions.
Key Findings:
- The study highlights several case studies from Africa, Europe, and Latin America, showcasing diverse approaches to securing land and finance for CLH projects.
- Granby 4 Streets Community Land Trust (UK): This project revitalized a Liverpool neighborhood by preventing demolitions and gentrification through a community land trust model. It utilized various financial sources, including interest-free loans and grants.
- Ecovillage Aldea Feliz (Colombia): A group formed an ecovillage through collective ownership and self-building practices. They focused on sustainability and affordability by using local materials and community income-generating activities.
- Barrio Intercultural (Argentina): This project involved the transfer of ancestral Mapuche land back to its original people, providing affordable housing while respecting cultural heritage.
- La Borda Cooperative (Spain): Implemented the "grant of use" model for cooperative housing, focusing on environmental sustainability and ethical financing mechanisms.
- Senegalese Federation of Inhabitants (Senegal): Developed a revolving fund for urban renewal to improve housing conditions in flood-prone areas through community savings and international cooperation.
Study 2: Financial Mechanisms in Community-Led Housing
Context and Authors: This study was also coordinated by Nina Quintas and Pierre Arnold from urbaMonde, with contributions from Léa Oswald. It was published in May 2022. The study continues the exploration of financial mechanisms for CLH projects worldwide.
Key Findings:
- The study presents additional case studies from Zimbabwe, Uruguay, Brazil, Switzerland, and Germany.
- Dzivarasekwa Slum Upgrading Project (Zimbabwe): Utilized a municipal financial facility to upgrade informal settlements through community savings groups and a revolving fund.
- COVICOFU Cooperative (Uruguay): A mutual-aid housing cooperative that secured land tenure for informal workers through state loans and subsidies.
- Cooperativa Esperança (Brazil): Built housing through mutual aid despite lacking formal recognition as a cooperative due to legislative gaps.
- Mehr als Wohnen (Switzerland): A large cooperative neighborhood in Zurich that integrates social diversity and sustainability within its financial planning.
- Spreefeld Cooperative (Germany): Combines cooperative living with private ownership options in Berlin, facing challenges from gentrification but maintaining affordable rents through innovative financial structures.
Both studies emphasize the importance of collaboration between communities, governments, and NGOs in overcoming barriers to affordable housing. They showcase how diverse financial strategies can be tailored to local contexts to support sustainable urban development.