Neftaly: Capacity Building for Residents in Informal Settlements

The Backyard Partnership Approach

Introduction

Informal settlements face unique challenges: insecure tenure, inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and limited access to basic services. Yet, these communities also possess remarkable resilience, creativity, and potential. One promising way to improve living conditions while fostering local empowerment is through backyard partnerships—where residents collaboratively develop secondary housing units on their property to create affordable shelter and income opportunities.

At Neftaly, we recognize that the success of backyard partnerships depends heavily on the capacity of residents—both landlords and tenants—to manage, build, and sustain these arrangements safely, legally, and equitably. Capacity building is thus a critical pillar in transforming backyard partnerships from informal solutions into viable, scalable housing options.

Why Capacity Building Matters

Residents in informal settlements often face:

• Limited knowledge of building codes and safety standards
• Lack of access to legal and tenancy rights information
• Insufficient skills in construction, maintenance, and financial management
• Barriers to accessing microfinance or subsidies for upgrades
• Low participation in community decision-making and local governance

Without targeted capacity-building interventions, backyard partnerships risk replicating unsafe, insecure, or exploitative housing conditions.

The Backyard Partnership Approach to Capacity Building

Capacity building through backyard partnerships is a community-driven, participatory process focused on empowering residents with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to:

1. Build Safe and Compliant Structures

• Training on basic construction techniques and use of locally available, durable materials
• Guidance on fire safety, sanitation, and ventilation standards
• Support with accessing technical expertise (architects, engineers) when needed

2. Understand and Exercise Legal Rights

• Workshops on tenant and landlord rights, rental agreements, and dispute resolution
• Education on local housing policies and zoning regulations affecting backyard dwellings
• Access to legal aid and mediation services for conflict resolution

3. Manage Finances and Access Funding

• Financial literacy programs covering budgeting, saving, and rental income management
• Assistance navigating microcredit, subsidies, and grants for housing improvements
• Training on transparent and fair rent collection and record-keeping

4. Strengthen Community Organization and Leadership

• Facilitation of landlord and tenant associations to promote collective action
• Leadership development to amplify resident voices in local planning and advocacy
• Building networks for peer support, knowledge exchange, and joint problem-solving

Success Stories

In various informal settlements where Neftaly has supported backyard partnership initiatives, capacity building has resulted in:

• Safer, higher-quality backyard dwellings compliant with regulations
• Greater security of tenure through formalized rental agreements
• Increased household incomes and economic stability for landlords and tenants
• Enhanced community cohesion and collaborative governance structures
• Improved access to municipal services and infrastructure

Role of Stakeholders

Successful capacity building requires collaboration among:

• Residents, who bring local knowledge and commitment
• Local governments, providing enabling policies and support
• NGOs and community-based organizations, offering training and facilitation
• Technical experts, delivering hands-on skills and safety guidance
• Financial institutions, making credit and subsidies accessible

Neftaly’s Commitment

Neftaly designs and implements tailored capacity-building programs that are:

• Inclusive, addressing the needs of women, youth, and vulnerable groups
• Context-sensitive, adapting to local cultural, economic, and regulatory realities
• Practical and hands-on, focusing on skills that residents can immediately apply
• Sustainable, fostering local ownership and long-term resilience

Conclusion

Capacity building is the backbone of successful backyard partnerships in informal settlements. By empowering residents with the right tools, knowledge, and support, we can unlock the full potential of backyard housing as a safe, affordable, and community-driven solution to urban housing challenges.

At Neftaly, we invite partners and practitioners to join us in strengthening resident capacities, transforming informal settlements from survival spaces into thriving, inclusive neighborhoods.