The Role of Integrated Housing Development Program for lower income group in Ethiopia.

Abstract

Studies in Ethiopia reveal the ineffectiveness of Integrated Housing Development Program (IHDP) in achieving some of its objectives. Identifying the contextual problems and their root causes plays a vital role in enhancing the program effectiveness so as to promote the housing ownership of lower income groups. The objective of this study was to critically describe and explore practical challenges and their root causes that hindered the effective implementation of the IHDP in Ethiopia. Mostly qualitative data with few quantitative were collected from secondary sources using books, internet and document analysis. The data results were discussed with triangulation to arrive at conclusion. Accordingly, capacity and skill problems, financial constraints, problem of addressing the target groups, weak cooperation among implementing agencies, shortage of construction materials and corrupt practices were identified as major factors inhibited the effective implementation of the program whereas their major root causes were lack of relevant pre-assessment on the organization and inadequate training ,lack of diversified financial sources and low income of the target groups, lack of due attention and inflation, lack of clearly stipulated rules, inability to use local resources effectively, and weak transparency and accountability respectively.