Accommodating green spaces in cities: Perceptions and attitudes in slums

Abstract

The growing assumption in urban studies literature is that residents of slum communities struggle to find space to live but not a place to recreate and enjoy green space. However, at present no research has explored slum residents' perspectives and attitudes towards urban green spaces. The purpose of this study is threefold: (i) to establish a spatio-temporal analytical evidence of urban green spaces in slum communities; (ii) to examine slum residents' perceptions on urban green space availability and use; and (iii) explore how their perceptions have influenced their attitudes towards urban green space management. Using two slum communities - Nima and Agbogbloshie - in Ghana's national capital Accra as case studies, household surveys, focus group discussions, secondary data analysis and agency interviews were conducted. Spatio-temporal analysis showed significant loss of green spaces (about 83% in Agbogbloshie and 92% in Nima) between 2000 and 2018. Yet, slum residents generally expressed positive attitudes towards urban green spaces despite government agencies reporting otherwise (χ2 = 16.140, p < 0.000). The challenge with green spaces in slums was more of an urban planning's neglect of slums as part of the urban system rather than residents' attitudes.