Drivers and Challenges of Indigenous Floriculture in Urban Road Reserves: Evidence from Old Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigates the drivers and challenges of indigenous floriculture in urban road reserves along Old Bagamoyo Road, Dar es Salaam. Roadside floriculture has become a livelihood strategy, driven by unemployment, rising demand for ornamental plants, and the availability of road reserve spaces. Using interviews, questionnaires, and field observations, data were collected from 120 practitioners. Results show that floriculture contributes significantly to household income, with average monthly earnings of TZS 250,000–400,000, while 68% of respondents reported improved living standards. Beyond income, floriculture enhances urban aesthetics and biodiversity. However, challenges persist: 74% cited insecure land tenure, 59% lacked access to credit, and over half faced threats from urban expansion policies. Despite these constraints, indigenous knowledge remains central to sustaining roadside gardens. The study concludes that floriculture in road reserves is both an informal economic activity and an ecological service, warranting recognition in urban planning. Policy interventions should integrate local knowledge, provide institutional support, and safeguard spaces for floriculture to advance sustainable urban development.

Keywords: Green infrastructure management; Informal urban livelihoods; Land use constraints; Peri-urban horticulture; Sustainable streetscape practices