Overheating cities: lessons from informal settlements in Dar es Salaam

This publication draws on findings from community-led data collection in two informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to reveal the effects of rising temperatures on health, livelihoods, education - and how these are affected by building type and cooking method. This research has been conducted fill the gap of studies and data on localised heat and humidity. The findings of this study can inform targeted and effective local action by policymakers, planners and communities to address heat risks, and underline the importance of community-led data collection.

The community-led research highlights the vulnerability of informal settlements to climate change. For residents of Kombo and Kwa Pakacha settlements, rising temperature is a primary climate concern, with 83% of people feeling uncomfortable or very uncomfortable in their homes on hot days. Further impacts of high temperatures are given below:

• Nearly half (49%) had sought medical treatment to address heat-related health issues.
• With most people engaged in insecure informal trading, extreme heat can lead to lost workdays and can substantially affect earnings.
• Extreme heat and uncomfortable, poorly insulated environments reduce attention spans and can lower attendance levels.
• With just 50% of homes having ceilings, there is limited protection from solar radiation through roofs.
• Charcoal is the main source of cooking fuel (70%), which adds pollution to confined spaces.