Urbanization and Informal Settlements in Burkina Faso: An Ethnographic Exploration of Social Welfare Dynamics

Urbanization in Burkina Faso has led to a significant increase in informal settlements, posing challenges for social welfare provision. An in-depth qualitative approach was employed, involving participant observation and semi-structured interviews with community members, local authorities, and service providers. Informal settlements often lack formal infrastructure for basic services such as water supply and healthcare, affecting the welfare of residents disproportionately. The study highlights the critical role of informal networks in providing essential support to residents without formal channels. Policy makers should prioritise interventions that strengthen existing social support structures within informal settlements rather than solely focusing on infrastructure development.