Management strategies of Poverty in Rio De Janerio

Question 1

Explain 4 points of self help schemes

Answer 1

Here the community works with each other to improve their own homes.
People are given tools and training to improve their homes.
Low-interest loans may be used to help people fund these changes.
People may be given legal ownership of the land they live on.

Question 2

Advantages of self help schemes

Answer 2

Most houses are now made from brick of concrete and have basic sanitation, plumbing and electricity.
Local people know their needs better than anyone, so know what needs improved.
Improves the community spirit and develops skills.
People are kept busy- away from crimes and drugs

Question 3

Disadvantages of self help schemes

Answer 3

Relies on the motivation of the local people to succeed.
Only addresses housing and not other essentials such as schools and healthcare

Question 4

Explain site and service schemes

Answer 4

This is a top down approach where the government improve housing themselves.
They also introduce basic services such as:
Paving roads to introduce refuse collection.
Establishing proper sewerage systems.
Installing electricity and street lighting.
Building aqueducts to channel water away from favela homes to help reduce the possibility of landslides.

Question 5

Example of site and service schemes

Answer 5

The slum to neighbourhood project in Favela Bairro

Question 6

Advantages of site and service schemes

Answer 6

Led to better health and disease prevention by improving access to water and sanitation.
Schools and sports centres mean lower crime and gang activity.

Question 7

Disadvantages of site and service schemes

Answer 7

Expensive (£200 million) to improve 10% of favelas.
Families who live in the improved areas have to pay rent and if they fall into unemployment they may not be able to afford it.

Question 8

Explain Charities and other Non-Governmental Organisations

Answer 8

These organisations rely on international volunteers and donations.
Charites can work with favela residents to:
1. Provide knowledge/training on building techniques.
2. Provide financial assistance to improve housing.

Question 9

Example of charities and other non- governmental organisations

Answer 9

Project Favela

Question 10

Advantages of Charities and other non- governmental organisations

Answer 10

Tend to be more small scale and directly involves the community its trying to assist.
In this way it is less vulnerable to corruption, and it is more likely to be sustainable.

Question 11

Disadvantages of Charities and other non- governmental organisations

Answer 11

A community may become dependant on the aid and that their ability to help themselves in the future might be diminished.

Question 12

Explain superblocks

Answer 12

The Brazilian government cleared large areas of slums and built tower blocks to rehouse the residents.

Question 13

Example of superblocks

Answer 13

Projeto Cingapura

Question 14

Advantages of superblocks

Answer 14

People were provided solid houses with proper foundations which would not be affected by landslides.
New housing had electricity and running water- new amenities which their old houses lacked.

Question 15

Disadvantages of superblocks

Answer 15

Favela residents initially resisted, resulting in their forceful removal.
The community spirit of the favelas was lost and people were left feeling isolated.
Superblocks were often located far away from any job opportunities.

Question 16

Explain Pacification Campaign

Answer 16

Stage one - Armed police units, backed by soldiers and marines, go into favelas to drive out criminal gangs. Permanent police presences are established in what had often been no-go areas for security officials.
Stage two - With the favela secured, staff from Rio’s municipal authority can start to improve the housing of residents and provide social services such as schools, healthcare centres, and rubbish collection.

Question 17

Example of a Pacification campaign

Answer 17

Complexo do Alemao

Question 18

Advantages of a Pacification campaign

Answer 18

Since the scheme began in 2008 the murder rates and violent crimes have decreased.
Residents describe their neighbourhoods as being safer now there is a police presence.

Question 19

Disadvantages of pacification campaign

Answer 19

Innocent bystanders killed when police enter favelas and engage criminals.
Widespread reports of police corruption and abuse.
Amenities promised have still not been built (schools hospitals, etc) leading to public protests.

Question 20

Explain rural investment

Answer 20

Funding development and improvements to rural areas may help to improve conditions in the city as well.
Improving the quality of life and creating greater opportunities in rural areas may prevent rural to urban migration.
This in turn would potentially reduce overcrowding in favelas and allow housing improvements such as site and service/self-help schemes become even more effective.

Question 21

Example of rural investment

Answer 21

Bahia: Rural Sustainable Development Project in the Semi-arid Region of Bahia)

Question 22

Advantages of rural investment

Answer 22

The government in partnership with organisations such as IFAD appear to be making a real difference in rural areas of the country- the poverty headcount in 2012 stood at 9%, down from 21% in 2005 and 34% in 1996.

Question 23

Disadvantages of rural investment

Answer 23

Push factors from the countryside such as natural disasters will force people to migrate to Rio no matter how much is invested