Integrating Urban Green Spaces in Settlement Upgrading: A Systematic Review from Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Aims: This systematic review explored the integration of urban green space (UGS) as part of settlement upgrade activities in developing countries, specifically sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana. As its aim, the review analyzed the environmental, social, and economic implications inherent in the incorporation of UGS, recognized barriers and enablers of effective integration, discussed equity and inclusivity issues, and investigated the long-term sustainability and resilience implications. Study Design: The study utilised a systematic review design, following the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Through a narrative synthesis, the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines were employed. Methodology:  An extensive search strategy, covering the period January 2005 to May 2025, was adopted through several databases, namely, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and primary sources of grey literature, e.g., UN-Habitat and the World Bank. Study selection was performed following predetermined eligibility criteria. 22 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources were analysed, with a focused comparison between Ghana, broader sub-Saharan Africa, and other developing countries. Results: The findings revealed substantial environmental and social benefits of UGS integration, including urban heat mitigation, improved air quality, enhanced community cohesion, and improved food security. Economic outcomes were context-dependent and often underreported. Barriers included land scarcity, fragmented governance, and socio-cultural resistance, while enabling factors involved community-led greening, innovative financing, and supportive policy frameworks. Equity concerns, including green gentrification and limited access for marginalised groups, were recurrent yet insufficiently addressed. Critically, long-term sustainability and resilience outcomes were rarely examined, underscoring a major evidence gap. Conclusion: This study delivers a new and geographically-oriented overview that highlights the untapped potential of the integration of green space into the upgrade of sub-Saharan African cities. It highlights the need for place-oriented strategies, multi-level governance tactics, and continuous monitoring initiatives to achieve equitable and sustainable cities.