Determinants for the escalation of informal settlements and its consequences in the suburbs of Butajira Town; Central Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Informal settlement is a global problem practised by all social classes. However, the extent and the context of the problem are serious in developing countries. The objective of this study was to identify the determinant factors for the escalation of informal settlements and their consequences in Butajira town, central Ethiopia. A mixed research approach with a sequential explanatory design was employed. Both qualitative and quantitative data were systematically collected and analysed using softwares like ArcGIS 10.3, ENVI 5.3, and SPSS. Primary data was collected through a household questionnaire survey from 221 samples and thirteen key informant interviews. Secondary data was also generated from different governmental reports, previous studies, and books. Employing a multiple linear logistic regression analysis, the empirical findings revealed that the informality was determined by a combination of factors such as monthly income, previous residence, mode accession of the respondent’s current holding, and brokers’ agitation as they were found to be statistically significant in determining the informality at a 95% confidence interval. It is found that informal settlements are expanded alarmingly in the study areas at the expense of the nearby agricultural fields. The effects are witnessed in the town resulting disorganised infrastructures and a spontaneous network of villages. The Municipality is engaged in preventive measures like demolitions and punishments but it did not bring any meaningful solutions. The researchers recommend the ‘punitive approach of marginality theory’ that insists on the forceful relocations of the informal settlers, but with the provision of adequate services