Community Engagement in the Maintenance of Urban Green Systems: Barriers and Coordination Challenges in Tanzania
Helene Stephene Francis *
Institute of Rural Development Planning, Department of Environmental Planning, Dodoma, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Urban green systems are vital for city resilience, yet their maintenance relies heavily on the effective engagement of diverse actors. This study examined community engagement in the maintenance of urban green systems: Barriers and cooperation challenges in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania. Empirical data were collected through six Focus Group Discussions, 29 key informant interviews, consultations with 15 Mitaa leaders from Dar es Salaam, and document reviews. A total of 92 respondents were interviewed regarding their perceptions of engagement in urban green system maintenance. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis, whereas quantitative data were processed using Excel 2013 to generate tables. Results showed that the engagement was hindered by the varying interests and absence of formal agreements between government authorities and community groups, consequently influencing their accountability in the maintenance of urban green systems. Moreover, the results indicated that community-level actors lack the requisite knowledge and skills to formulate constitutions that would enhance the sustainability of their groups. Consequently, they are unable to register their groups with the appropriate institutions, thereby adversely affecting the sustainability of group membership in maintaining urban green systems. This study underscores the need for the establishment of an independent institution to harmonise conflicting interests and coordinate roles to effectively engage community-level actors in maintaining urban green systems, thereby enhancing their resilience and sustainability.
Keywords: Green systems, community engagement, actors, coordination barriers, challenges