Investigating the Housing Preferences of Slum Dwellers in Slum Relocation Projects: A Community-Based Operations Research Framework for Megacities in the Global South

Rapid urbanization and migration in megacities across the Global South have intensified housing demand, leading to widespread informal settlements, particularly slums. Government initiatives addressing these challenges encounter obstacles, primarily due to a lack of consideration for the preferences of slum dwellers. A notable gap exists in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by slum dwellers during and amidst the relocation process. Thus, this research aims to explore the intricate complexities associated with slum relocation in the Indian Megacity of Kolkata. The study employs a Community-Based Operations Research (CBOR) framework, incorporating methodologies such as Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) and Value-Focused Thinking (VFT). Through extensive data collection, including semi-structured interviews and surveys among slum residents, the study identifies key factors influencing their housing decisions and well-being. The research reveals that slum dwellers primarily grapple with housing quality, affordability, and infrastructure issues in their new locations. Utilizing SODA, the study constructs cognitive maps to represent the interconnectedness of these challenges, offering a comprehensive understanding of the community’s difficulties. The VFT network highlights three fundamental objectives—maximizing housing unit quality, infrastructure quality, and coordination among governmental bodies. The weighted analysis emphasizes the importance of customizing housing solutions, investing in social infrastructure, providing subsidized public transportation, engaging communities in decision-making, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Using multiple Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs) represents a novel and holistic approach, delivering evidence-based strategies essential for policymakers, urban planners, and development practitioners. This addresses the pressing need for inclusive and sustainable urban development in the face of rapid urbanization and housing challenges. Future research is encouraged to explore relocation challenges in diverse urban settings and track the long-term impact of the proposed strategies. The comprehensive approach considers the entire housing situation, establishing a foundation for transformative policymaking in megacities.