INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Brazil, a country renowned for its vast natural resources and economic potential, faces a perplexing urban challenge
Despite its wealth, the nation struggles to provide adequate housing for millions of its citizens
Recent census data reveals a stark reality: favelas, or informal settlements, are growing at an alarming rate.The Brazilian Institute of
Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reports that 16.4 million people now call favelas home
The number of these settlements has nearly doubled, from 6,329 in 2010 to 12,348 in 2022
They now exist in 656 municipalities, twice as many as in 2010
(Photo Internet reproduction)The North region of Brazil shows the highest concentration of favela residents, with 18.9% of its population
Amazonas state leads with a staggering 34.7% of its inhabitants in favelas
largest favela, housing 72,021 people
of PlentyA study by Data Favela and Locomotiva Institute reveals that favela residents have a combined purchasing power of R$119.8 billion
This economic potential has not gone unnoticed
Some businesses are beginning to recognize favelas as untapped markets.However, security concerns and infrastructure challenges often deter
approaches have failed to address the root causes of urban poverty
They suggest that empowering local communities and fostering entrepreneurship might yield better results
However, such approaches require a significant shift in political will and resource allocation.
