Gilbert, LietteClarke, Janielle2025-01-242025-01-242024-08-31Major Paper, Master of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York Universityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10315/42614The formation of unplanned settlements is a significant challenge faced by cities worldwide. Unplanned settlements are characterized by their lack of formal planning, limited access to basic services, and inadequate infrastructure. With its rapid urbanization and history marked by colonization, Jamaica is a suitable case study for exploring this phenomenon. My research investigates the limitations of the formal housing market in Jamaica and explores how these limitations contribute to the formation of unplanned settlements. Eight participants, including architects, engineers, real estate agents, government officials, professors, and a social historian, were interviewed to understand the challenges faced by the formal housing market. The findings highlight that high housing prices, low housing supply, limited financing solutions, energy dependence, the absence of manufacturing, and disempowered government officials contribute to the formation of unplanned settlements. The limitations identified act as barriers that hinder individuals from accessing affordable housing. The absence of affordable housing options within the formal housing market drives individuals to construct dwelling units in unauthorized areas, leading to the formation of unplanned settlements. The findings underscore the importance of addressing the limitations within the formal housing market to address the formation of unplanned settlements. By implementing strategies to increase urban and regional planning, policymakers and professionals can alleviate the pressures that drive individuals towards self-build options.enUnsafe housingNatural disastersInfrastructureInformal settlementsCommunity developmentResearch Paper