Houses Across the World:
Africa and the Middle East


Ivory Coast
Poverty's Many Aspects Cripple Opportunities for Individual Growth
Living on the world's poorest continent, the people of Africa face a range of problems often connected to poverty, not the least of which are AIDS, malnutrition, political and civil instability and substandard housing. According to the World Bank, 300 million Africans--nearly half the region's population--live in extreme poverty. Whether in rural Africa or the continent's urban centers, poor families struggle to meet the most basic survival needs, including a decent place to live.

	In much of rural Africa, thatch roofing not only requires regular maintenance, which takes time and money, but poses a fire hazard as families cook on open flames only a few feet below it.
	Insufficient doors lead to safety concerns, potentially compromising the security of the family and any possessions they may own.
	The absence of a permanent or raised floor leaves the house susceptible to flooding, winter drafts and rodents, opening the door to malaria and bites from snakes and rats.
	Unstable walls, which can be further weakened by soil erosion, invite insects through holes and are at risk of collapse.
	A lack of windows leaves substandard housing dark, posing a barrier to children's studies.

Uganda
Partnership Housing Still Growing in Africa After Three Decades
In 1973, Habitat for Humanity International founder and president Millard Fuller, with his wife Linda, took the concept of "partnership housing" to Africa, where it proved successful in the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire. Since Habitat for Humanity's founding three years later, some 220 Habitat affiliates throughout the Africa/Middle East region have built nearly 23,000 decent, affordable houses with families in need. In 2000, HFHI moved its Africa/Middle East area office to Pretoria, South Africa, where staff members support grassroots building efforts in national organizations and affiliates across the continent.

	Walls are built typically with brick or soil-stabilized blocks. They are set on a strong foundation, impenetrable by vermin and inclement weather.
	Most Habitat houses in Africa have corrugated metal sheets for roofing. This solid roofing protects from the weather and doesn't need to be maintained as regularly as thatch, saving homeowners time and money.
	Concrete slab flooring is the most common in this region. It is easy to clean and thus healthier for the family.
	Adequate sanitation systems mean better health for families.