Open Access

Maurice Merk

• During the first conference (Habitat I) in Vancouver in 1976, the UN unanimously decided that everyone had the right to adequate accommodation (United Nations, 1976). 41 years later we evaluateDuring the first conference (Habitat I) in Vancouver in 1976, the UN unanimously decided that everyone had the right to adequate accommodation (United Nations, 1976). 41 years later we evaluate progress and we wonder ‘What has happened since then?’, ‘Should we be satisfied with the settlement development in recent decades?` The fact that hundreds of millions of people still live under catastrophic conditions in slums cannot be ignored. There is still more to be done. With reference to the south east African country Malawi; the following abstract explains the development of settlements in the country. A high rate of urbanization in developing countries prevail because people move to the cities in search of a better life in which they end up in informal settlements where they meet up with catastrophic living conditions. Informal settlements are areas where housing is not in compliance with existing planning and building regulations. In addition, a high birth- rate in developing countries worsens the living conditions such that their governments lack the financial capability and the political will to make progress. Therefore, how can the living conditions of people in informal settlements be improved? What are the options for action for the country’s government and municipalities to ensure an overall spatially controlled planning as well as healthy living conditions for the residents and which formal or informal instruments can be used for sustainable urban development? In the context of these circumstances the author deals with the Southeast African country of Malawi. Firstly, the author gives an introduction into the country of Malawi considering general facts and figures about the country. The historical background, the economic and political situation will be explained. Furthermore, the demographic situation of the population and the challenges for planners that have risen is also elaborated. Political and administrative structures are explained concerning the decentralization process and the strong cultural influence in planning. In the next chapter the author gives a brief summary of the laws related to planning from independence 1964 to present. The focus is on the Land Bill 2016 and its changes are described. Implementation of the laws concludes this chapter. The author then describes the settlement development in Malawi. The general challenges of the country are mentioned (urbanization, population growth, internal migration). Furthermore, the author specifies the problems and obstacles in the planning process e.g the lack of resources where possible action fields of government, local authorities and organizations are shown. With different examples of projects from the past, the author virtually explains (Slum upgrading, Traditional housing areas etc.) and describes the necessity of participation in the planning process. This is demonstrated with a mentioned best practice example (AFL tool). The work ends with a general summary and a personal view for the future.…