Urban Political Ecology of Housing in Port-Au-Prince: Navigating Social and Environmental Challenges

This study applies a socio-ecological framework within urban political ecology to examine housing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It highlights the interconnectedness of social systems and environmental factors that shape housing outcomes. We employ a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative analysis of secondary data on housing distribution, quality, and environmental risks with qualitative interviews of residents, policymakers, and urban planners. Our research identifies spatial patterns of housing inequalities and their correlation with environmental hazards such as soil degradation, seismic and flood risks. Additionally, we explore alternatives to traditional new housing construction, with a focus on the potential of adaptive reuse, repair, and redistribution of the existing building stock as sustainable and equitable solutions to housing challenges. Through comprehensive analysis, we identify key political, legal, economic, and planning interventions that facilitate or hinder the socio-ecological transformation of housing systems. We contrast drivers such as supportive policies, economic incentives, and community engagement with barriers including policy constraints, market-driven mismatches, and limited resources. By addressing housing at micro, meso, and macro levels, the study reveals how municipal policies influence neighborhood development and individual housing conditions. This underscores the need for integrated approaches that balance social equity with environmental sustainability. Our findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners in resource-constrained environments, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering systemic changes to achieve resilient and inclusive urban housing. This research contributes to the broader understanding of socio-ecological dynamics in urban settings. It offers strategies for addressing the housing question beyond mere construction and promotes sustainable urban development in the face of climate change and social inequalities.