Challenges and Barriers in Achieving UN SDG 11.1 (Sustainable Affordable Housing) using Fuzzy AHP Approach

Abstract

A person's fundamental need for privacy, security, and protection is housing. If housing is between 20% to 40% of gross monthly household income, it is deemed affordable globally. The creation of cheap, sustainable housing is referred to as neighborhood which satisfies shelter needs by making the neighborhood physically accessible, socially acceptable, economically affordable and environmentally sustainable and at the same time protects and preserves the nature for upcoming generations. There is a deficiency of Affordable, sustainable housing in nearly every emerging nation. A number of nations, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and others, have found success adopting a variety of strategies to reduce the gap between the supply and demand for cheap housing. Pakistan has a population ranking in the top ten, however there is a significant lack of reasonably priced homes in the country. The objective of this study is to ascertain the obstacles and impediments in achieving sustainable and cheap housing in Pakistan, and to analyze potential remedies for the housing crisis. This study employed a literature review, surveys, and interviews to collect data and information on the housing situation in Pakistan. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis utilizing Fuzzy AHP. The findings indicate the presence of 25 critical barriers, with Inadequate Incentives for Private Investors (weighted at 10%), Lack of Conceptual Clarity on Sustainable Housing (weighted at 8%), and Limited Knowledge and Expertise in Sustainable Housing (weighted at 6%) emerging as the most significant obstacles. The research offers significant insights into the present housing conditions in Pakistan, identified the primary obstacles and difficulties in achieving sustainable and affordable housing. Additionally, it proposes potential solutions to address the housing crisis. This research contributes to the existing knowledge on sustainable and affordable housing and has the potential to inspire further research in this field.