RECENT STATISTICS (1991) show that more than one-third of Argentineans have unsatisfactory living conditions. This book highlights the fact that low-income households do not have sufficient funds to improve their own housing. It then presents case studies from Buenos Aires, which show various methods of credit and community-based self-help projects that have sought to reach low-income groups with improved living conditions. Section I explores what line of action needs to be taken in order to get funding. Section II presents cases studies, including examples of a community materials bank, rotating funds and progressive improvement schemes. Section III concludes that poor housing is an important social problem in Argentina and that women and children are most likely to be affected. The case studies are in San Fernando, Buenos Aires. The case of Barrio San Jorge, for example, shows how the community established a fund that not only invested in housing schemes but regenerated money through community loan schemes. Similarly, Barrio San José Obrero III has established a materials bank for the community.

The housing improvement programme can, according to the authors, provide an alternative to personal bank loans, which can prove impossible to repay. The programme also aims to benefit women, as an increasing number appear to be heads of households as well as taking care of domestic duties. Another important factor discussed in this book is the need for land tenure. Without legal land tenure, occupants of communities are often less likely to invest in housing improvements. Therefore, the programme extends to legalizing land settlements, or at least giving the communities the necessary encouragement to improve their homes themselves and become recognized by the state.