Challenges of Implementing Participatory Urban Planning In Tanzania: The Case of Dar es Salaam City

Abstract

This study examined the challenges of implementing participatory urban planning in
Tanzania. The study was carried out in the city of Dar es Salaam, particularly in the
Kibamba and Chamazi wards from Kinondoni and Temeke municipal councils,
respectively. The study employed a descriptive case study using both qualitative and
quantitative approaches of data collection. In this case, both purposive and random
sampling techniques were used to obtain respondents for the study. Using interviews,
focus group discussions (FGDs) and a semi-structured questionnaire, the study found
that participatory urban planning is being implemented in the city of Dar es Salaam
but its implementation is being constrained by a number of challenges ranging from
financial, human resource and political related challenges. These challenges have led
to discrepancies between the theory and practice of participatory urban planning. The
study recommend that there is a need for municipal councils to be empowered by
ensuring that they have the authority for initiating plans, budgeting, approving plans
and implementing them according to their priorities. Moreover, there is a need to
ensure that municipal councils have adequate financial and human resources for
implementing urban plans.