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AbstractUnderstanding the nature and scope of existing social capital is essential to building the resilience of people living in vulnerable urban settings. This paper explores the question of how aid organisations can better utilise social capital to build the resilience of communities in slums. It specifically examines the relationship between social capital and urban vulnerability. The study used a mixed-methods approach to understand the diverse perspectives of social capital and uncover relationships that exist between social capital, absorptive and adaptive coping strategies in Kibera and Kawangware slums in Nairobi, Kenya. The findings show that coping is not a community or a societal issue; people living in slums resort to either absorptive or adaptive coping strategies or a combination of both due to the precariousness of livelihoods in such contexts. Measures of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in slums are significantly associated with adaptive coping strategies. Families that had more dependents, were taking care of ill members or that had no regular source of income were more likely to resort to withdrawing children from school, begging, selling assets, amongst others. Livelihood studies overlook critical aspects of social capital such as bridges and linkages, which are essential for building the transformative capacities of slum dwellers. Therefore, aid actors should focus on social capital if they are to build the capacities of people living in slums. More attention should be given to the role of local organisations and initiatives in establishing bridges and linkages so as not to undermine communities' existing capacities and resource base.

"Over the past two decades, Africa has seen dozens of conflicts over a variety of issues. Responding to these conflicts requires concerted action to manage the crises--the violence, the political discord, and the humanitarian consequences of prolonged fighting. But it is also necessary to rebuild communities, societies and states torn apart by the conflict, addressing the long-term social and economic impact of the conflict. To do so, it is necessary to look at institutions and groups rarely considered in formal official conflict management activities of African and partner governments--schools, universities, religious institutions, media, commercial enterprises, legal institutions, civil society groups, youth, women and migrants. These entities can potentially play an important role in building a sense of identity, fairness, shared norms, and a cohesion between state and society--all critical components of the fabric of peace and security in Africa. This book brings together leading experts from Africa, Europe and North America to examine these critical social institutions and groups and identify how they can either build or impede peaceful resolution of conflicts and commitment to common purpose. This book will open new doors of understanding for students, scholars and practitioners focused on bringing strengthening peace in Africa."--