The Role of Stakeholders in Improving Management Practices of Urban Green Infrastructure in Southern Ethiopia
ABSTRACT The participation of stakeholders in managing the urban environment can help to enhance environmental sustainability. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of stakeholders in the management practices of urban green infrastructure (UGI) in Southern Ethiopia. Key informant interviews, focus group discussion and a structured questionnaire survey were used to collect data from stakeholders. The majority of the respondents confirmed that beautification, shading and cooling effects, storm water management, and reduced land degradation are the main reasons to develop and manage UGI. However, there is a significant variation among urban centres in the participation of stakeholders and local communities in the management of UGI, and engagement is generally limited due to lack of awareness and an effective legal framework; the lack of good governance and transparency in decision making; and poor coordination and stakeholder mobilization. The research suggests that multi stakeholder involvement and interconnected decision making is needed for UGI at all levels to ensure the sustainable improvement of the urban environment.