Affordable housing policies and their role in achieving Sustainable Development “A case study of Baghdad”

Abstract

This research examines affordable housing policies and their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11, focusing on the city of Baghdad as a case study. The research aims to analyze these policies and assess their contribution to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, given the urban and social challenges facing Baghdad, such as rapid population growth, rising housing prices, lack of basic services, and the spread of informal settlements. Iraqi cities in general, and Baghdad in particular, suffer from a severe shortage of housing units and high housing costs compared to the average per capita income, in addition to challenges such as unregulated urban growth (slums), a scarcity of suitable housing for low-income groups, and poor infrastructure. The study aims to analyze affordable housing policies in Iraq and assess their contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), with a focus on the city of Baghdad. Affordable housing policies in Baghdad contribute to achieving SDG 11 by improving the inclusiveness of cities, increasing urban resilience, and promoting environmental and social sustainability.