Accommodating green spaces in cities: Perceptions and attitudes in slums

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 (chi(2) = 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.

Automated summary

The study explored the attitudes and perceptions of slum residents towards urban green spaces, finding that despite a significant decrease in green spaces, residents still expressed positive attitudes. The challenge with green spaces in slums was more related to urban planning neglect of slums rather than residents' attitudes.