Woodcraft, Saffron; Moore, Henrietta; Tzivanakis, Nikolaos; Melios, Georgios; (2025) Developing the Maisha Bora Index. (IGP Working Paper ). UCL Institute for Global Prosperity: London, UK.

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Abstract

The Maisha Bora Index (MBI), developed by the Institute for Global Prosperity at University College London, provides an innovative approach for assessing prosperity in unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Moving beyond traditional economic indicators, the MBI integrates a multidimensional framework based on the lived experiences and aspirations of residents. It incorporates economic security, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and governance dimensions to provide a holistic understanding of prosperity. This paper outlines the Index’s conceptual framework, data collection process, indicator selection criteria, and validation methods. The MBI was implemented in three research sites— Bonde la Mpunga, Keko Machungwa, and Mji Mpya— capturing the diversity of socio-economic conditions and urban development challenges in Dar es Salaam. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative research, household surveys, and participatory citizen science methodologies to ensure local engagement and contextual precision. The MBI is calculated through a hierarchical structure: measures collected via the questionnaire are used to calculate indicators; indicators form subdomains, and subdomains are grouped into domains. To ensure robustness and accuracy, the study employed statistical techniques such as poststratification weighting, Z-score normalisation, and sensitivity analysis, allowing for adjustments that enhance the reliability of findings across different settlements. The results offer insights into key enablers and barriers to prosperity in unplanned settlements, providing actionable knowledge for policymakers, NGOs, and community leaders. The participatory nature of the Maisha Bora Index ensures that communities are pivotal in defining and measuring prosperity, reinforcing its practical significance in shaping inclusive urban development strategies.

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