Density

Few significant differences were found with respect to density in different types of households. However, only 10 per cent of female-headed households were composed of a single person as opposed to nearly 25 per cent of male-headed households reflecting again the tendency of female heads of household to support dependents. Of female-headed households. 74 per cent were found to be sharing a yard as opposed to 64 per cent of male- and 62 per cent of joint-headed households.

Recommendation

Yard space is an important factor for low-income households because people spend more time in the yard than they do in the house and because the yard often has a part to play in income-generating activities or income-substitution activities, such as small-scale planting. This is particularly so for female-headed households whose heads are more likely to be earning income within the informal sector. Yard space is also important because, with sufficient space, a house can be extended incrementally over time as greater levels of resources become available. If the space is restricted this form of investment cannot take place. The size of plots provided in shelter interventions, be they sites and minimum services or settlement upgrading, should be decided in a manner that takes these factors into account.