Leveraging Participatory Mapping to Manage Urban Dynamics in Rapidly Urbanizing Dar es Salaam: A Case Study of Sinza D, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

This study explores the use of participatory mapping to address urbanisation challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the rapidly growing city of Dar es Salaam. Traditional urban planning often excludes community perspectives, leading to mismatches between formal plans and local realities. Through participatory mapping, including interviews and workshops, this research highlights unplanned housing expansion, green space depletion, and governance gaps. The findings demonstrate that participatory mapping integrates local knowledge with professional tools, fostering inclusivity and sustainable urban development. This study offers actionable insights for resolving land use conflicts and promoting inclusive urban governance in rapidly urbanising contexts.