Gestión de Información de Tierras da Slum Dwellers International (SDI)

Over the course of the past two to three years, SDI has begun to document property rights in the slum and squatter settlements in which we are active in Nairobi. In working with SDI affiliates throughout Africa, there has been a growing realization that land tenure is of importance to us all, and that most of the affiliates are beginning initiatives to collect information pertaining to property rights. While methods for documenting rights and collection spatial data may vary, many of the steps are similar
In reviewing the various processes for data collection and data management it has become apparent that we are spending time and money developing approaches unique to each affiliate. We’ve realized that developing a replicable approach in line with international standards will result in cost savings for SDI affiliates, as well as ensuring that processes for documenting land rights are consistent with international best practices and that our documentation of customary and community recognized right could eventually be incorporated into a formal system. Through working with international organizations working on property rights, such as International Land Systems (ILS), Inc we have developed an approach for collecting, documenting and recording information in line with the Social Tenure Domain Model
Due to this consistent and replicable approach, in time, certified property records or documents issued by SDI affiliates attesting to property rights that we feel are recognized locally, will begin to have a value of their own. It is been our experience that in many emerging economies, properties with formal title are of greater monetary value then properties lacking any documentation – that there is in effect a “premium” for property with secure rights. We are working to have SDI’s property documentation be recognized as having some value, and being some proof of property rights in the absence of formal title.