Peri-urban interface: An alternative residential location of low-income migrants in Kumasi, Ghana

While a plethora of studies have shown that slum settlements are the commonest choice of residence for lowincome migrants in cities, little is known about the peri-urban landscape as host settlements for low-income migrants. This study aims to explore the context, motivation and outcomes of migrant settlements in periurban areas in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, the findings suggest that low-income migrants opt for a rent-free stay in uncompleted houses in peri-urban areas. A major reason for this is the affordability challenge low-income migrants face in the rental housing market. Migrants choose to stay in uncompleted houses because they offer more space for both dwelling and storage. The unavailability of services such as electricity and potable water sometimes presented unique challenges for migrants, but this was also found to be a cost-saving mechanism. Employment prospects in peri-urban areas such as housing construction also contribute to the reason for migrant settlement in such areas.