Urbanization and Informal Settlements in Egyptian Cities: A Social Welfare Perspective

Urbanization in Egyptian cities has led to rapid growth of informal settlements, posing significant challenges for social welfare services. The research employs semi-structured interviews with community leaders, service providers, and residents to explore the dynamics of social welfare delivery in selected Egyptian cities. A key finding is that there is an imbalance in service distribution, with informal settlements receiving less attention compared to formal areas, affecting equitable access to services such as healthcare and education. The study highlights the need for improved planning and targeted interventions to enhance social welfare coverage across all urban areas. Policy recommendations include prioritising the development of comprehensive service delivery strategies that integrate informal settlements into city-wide plans.