Sustainable Urban Green Infrastructure Development and Management System in Rapidly Urbanized Cities of Ethiopia

Abstract

Lack of sustainable strategic approaches has led to non-functional, unsafe, inaccessible, and fragmented urban green infrastructure within cities. In sub-Saharan African cities, the development and management of urban green infrastructure are not realized in many instances due to a lack of priorities and resources. The objective of the study is to develop strategic approaches that help to overcome the challenges of urban green infrastructure and promote a sustainable development and management system in Ethiopia with special references to the emerging towns of Oromia special zone that surrounds Finfinne. To design sustainable strategic approaches for an urban green infrastructure development and management system, the study collected data using key informant interviews, focus group discussion and document reviews. Findings identify seven potential strategic approaches that are needed to create a sustainable urban green infrastructure development and management system. Hence, improving the quantitative, qualitative, and accessibility standards on the provision of urban green infrastructure is needed for sustained development. Moreover, advanced development in budget allocation, capacity building, legal and institutional framework, awareness creation, and stakeholder’s involvement are also needed to promote a sustainable development and management system of urban green infrastructure in the urban centers of Ethiopia in general and emerging towns in particular.