Household livelihoods in Solomon Islands squatter settlements and its implications for education and development in post-conflict context

Abstract

This study investigates household livelihood in Solomon Islands urban squatter settlements. A total of 208 households participated in this empirical study. Most of the squatter households fall into the category of 3 to 7 members (59.1%) with average household size of 6.3. Seventy percent of the settlers live in temporary buildings or shelter and are lacking proper water and sanitation. Majority of the households, (96.6%) do not have electricity in their homes. The average fortnightly income of the households is SI$316. The implications derived from the findings include national policy makers need to consider financing for low cost housing for the poor urban residents, improve and adequately resource the rural schools to lure squatter settlers back to the rural areas, the government should consider giving an education subsidy to low income parents who have more than two children attending schools and civil society organisations and government departments need to conduct life-skills courses that could encourage low settlers to diversify their livelihood activities. The discussion concludes with the concept of education as a form of secure livelihood.