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 incomegenerating activities or income-substitution activities, such as smallscale 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 should be decided in a manner that takes these factors into account.