NGO Representation of Informal Settlements

This book chapter delves into Slum/Shack Dwellers International (SDI), an international NGO operating in 2018, predominantly across African countries. It explores SDI's unique governance structure, which includes compensated grassroots representatives and its earlier association with global agencies. While SDI portrays itself as a collection of grassroots savings collectives employing non-confrontational self-reliance approaches, it increasingly positions itself as a global representative and problem-solver for urban poverty. The tension arises from SDI's grassroots-based representation system and its simultaneous expansion efforts, leading to a diverse network and methodological variations. This chapter provides an overview of SDI by examining existing literature and conducting interviews during the organization's peak global influence.

Abstract based directly on source.