URBAN POVERTY AND INEQUALITY: INSIGHTS FROM A CASE STUDY OF GOBA TOWN, BALE ZONE, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

The global population has witnessed a dramatic shift towards urbanization, with over half of the world's inhabitants now residing in metropolitan regions, a significant increase from 30% in 1950. Projections indicate that this trend will continue, with urban dwellers expected to constitute 66% of the global population by 2050. Concurrently, the proliferation of urbanization has led to the emergence of slum settlements, where one billion people, representing one-third of the urban population, currently reside. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Africa, where poverty remains a pervasive challenge. According to the World Bank, the poverty headcount ratio in Africa stood at 34.9% in 2019, with a poverty threshold of $2.15 per day (2017 PPP). This paper delves into the complexities of urban poverty and slum proliferation, examining the multifaceted factors contributing to these phenomena. Drawing on insights from urban studies, development economics, and social policy, it explores the socio-economic dynamics underpinning urban poverty and the spatial distribution of slum settlements. By synthesizing empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks, it sheds light on the challenges faced by slum dwellers and the implications for sustainable urban development. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy measures aimed at addressing urban poverty, improving living conditions in slums, and fostering inclusive urban growth.