Browsing by Author "Simon, Naili"

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    Improving urban planning practice through integrating local and scientific knowledge in Makambako township, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2011) Simon, Naili
    The main concern of this study was to establish the extent of knowledge sharing and integration of local and scientific knowledge in improving urban planning practice in Tanzania with particular reference to Makambako Township. Specifically, the study was set to: identify local knowledge relevant to urban planning, investigate knowledge sharing practice in urban planning processes, and to identify potentials and challenges for mainstreaming local knowledge into urban planning practices. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Findings of the study showed that respondents share local knowledge using ten cell and hamlet meetings, story telling, informal exchange of information, and by consulting gatekeepers who mostly were local leaders, elders, residents who were affected by previous plans, and those who lived in the area for a long time and scientific knowledge was shared through hamlet meetings, workshops, seminars, exchange of reading materials, consulting experts and informal exchange of information. The study recommended that local leaders (hamlet and ten cell) be included in the urban planning process to enable experts to work closely with them in order to bridge the gap between local and scientific knowledge. Secondly, arrangements should be made for timely sharing of information on urban planning and thirdly, experts should make sure that they educate local leaders and other fast learners first about urban planning before implementing any programme.