Urban green spaces use and management in rapidly urbanizing countries:The case of emerging towns of Oromia special zone surrounding Finfinne, Ethiopia

Green spaces play an important role in improving the livability of cities but are under high pressure from development in rapidly urbanizing countries. Understanding the use of urban green spaces and how this relates to their management is essential to effectively provide different functions and hence increase their value and better protection. Researches on green space use and management have been frequently conducted in developed countries. However, little is known about how people across cities in sub-Saharan Africa utilize and manage urban green spaces. Therefore, this study attempts to analyze the use and management of green spaces in urban centers of Ethiopia with reference to the emerging towns of the Oromia special zone surrounding Finfinne. The study employed a household survey, which was underpinned by interviews and focus group discussion. The quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics while the qualitative data is analyzed through content and context analysis. Results indicated that 71.9%, 67.9% and 73.7% of respondents in Legetafo, Sebeta and Sululta do not have any green spaces in their neighborhood while very few respondents mentioned playgrounds and sport fields as green spaces. The study also found that relaxation and physical exercises such as football playing and running are the main purposes for visiting green spaces. Based on the result of the study more than half of the respondents do not visit urban green space. Financial constraints, lack of skilled personnel, low coordination between institutions, lack of legal frameworks and limited awareness of the community have constrained the use and management of green spaces. Therefore, the study suggests improving the legal framework, enhancing public participation in green spaces development and strengthening urban green space management system as important measures to improve the usability via green space management in urban areas of Ethiopia.