The reality seen from poor areas in Africa: Informal settlements that Japanese people don't know about
This site provides direct support to impoverished areas in Africa by sourcing products and raw materials from these areas. Looking at the beautiful clothing and colorful bags, you might be curious about the reality behind them. In this article, I would like to take a closer look at some of Africa's most representative impoverished areas (informal settlements).
1. Kibera (Nairobi, Kenya) - East Africa's largest slum
Location: Nairobi, the capital of Kenya
Population: Approximately 200,000 to 250,000 people (the exact number is unclear, but it is said to be over 800,000)
Size: About the same area as inside the Yamanote Line
Kibera, located a short distance from Nairobi, is known as one of the largest slums in East Africa. Because so many people live in such a small space, there is a continuing lack of water, electricity, and other amenities.
Many of the residents live day to day, searching for work, but among them are women who make beautiful handmade accessories and trinkets (see the photo of the bracelet at the bottom of the article).
I think it's really amazing how they cleverly reuse unused materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
2. Makoko (Lagos, Nigeria) - A unique floating residential area
Location: Lagos, Nigeria's largest city
Population: Approximately 20,000 to 80,000 people
Special feature: A residential area built on the sea
Makoko, located in the large city of Lagos, is famous as a rare "floating residential area" in the world. Many families live in raised houses made of bamboo and wood in the shallow waters.
The residents make a living by fishing and running small shops. Although they are sometimes affected by typhoon-like storms and high waves, they have passed down the wisdom of living in harmony with the sea for generations. Fishermen sometimes use the skills they have acquired repairing nets to make beautiful knitting.
3. Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa) - A city steeped in history
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Population: Approximately 1.3 million
History: Apartheid-era residential area
Soweto was created as a residential area for black people during South Africa's apartheid era. Today, the area has well-maintained roads and housing, and is known as a place with a thriving music and art culture.
Here, traditional costumes of ethnic groups such as the Zulu and Xhosa are still made, and the beautiful ornaments made with colorful beads captivate the hearts of those who see them. It is also a popular tourist destination, with many people visiting to experience the city's culture.
4. Khayelitsha (Cape Town, South Africa) - A city where art lives and breathes
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Population: Approximately 400,000
What makes it special: One of South Africa's largest settlements
Located on the outskirts of the beautiful city of Cape Town, Kaylisha is an area with a similar historical background to Soweto, with rows of small, colorfully painted houses and amazing street art throughout the city.
Residents are working together to liven up the community and are trying to earn a little money by making handmade crafts.
5. Mansheyet Nasser (Cairo, Egypt) – Recycling City
Location: Cairo, the capital of Egypt
Population: Approximately 60,000
Nickname: Garbage City
This area on the outskirts of Cairo is known for the fact that many of its residents work in waste collection and recycling. While this may seem like a daunting task, the residents are actually highly skilled in recycling and are experts at turning waste into new products.
It's amazing how people can use discarded materials to create practical and beautiful handmade items.
Creativity born from a tough environment
Although the living conditions in these areas are by no means easy, the ingenuity and creative abilities of the people who live there are remarkable. Below is a bracelet made from recycled brass. It's very beautiful, isn't it?
There is a lot we can learn from the techniques of skillfully using limited materials to create beautiful things and breathing new life into old things.
Tips on dressing for the African climate
Many parts of Africa are hot and dry all year round, so the locals put a lot of thought into their clothing.
It is full of wisdom for protecting yourself from the heat, such as using breathable materials like cotton and linen, and having a loose design that allows air to pass through the body easily. This traditional knowledge has been passed down firmly to the fashion items that are made today.
What we can do
Buy at the right price
By purchasing sisal bags and traditional clothing made by local artisans at a fair price that is neither too cheap nor too expensive, you can directly support the livelihoods of the makers.
Efforts to learn about culture
There are 54 countries in Africa, each with its own unique culture. Learning about the background of each product leads to a deeper understanding and support.
The eco-friendly choice
By choosing accessories made from recycled materials and products made from natural materials, you can support both the environment and local people.
Interest in education and technical assistance
It is also important to take an interest in projects that help local people learn new skills or start businesses.
Conclusion
Learning about the reality of poor areas can sometimes be a heavy burden, but the positivity and creativity of the people who live there is truly moving.
When we pick up beautiful African goods or fashion items, I believe that if we can feel even a little of the thoughts and efforts of the people who made them, the products will feel even more special.
Armed with accurate information, we can support the people of Africa in a sustainable way while respecting local culture. Even small steps, if continued, will surely lead to big changes.
Representative Kaoru Tsuji
