The study was conducted at the area along (Dodoma-Arusha Road) from Institute of Rural Development Planning to Down Town Dodoma Municipality to assess whether development can be sustainable and how this sustainability is maintained. An organized walk was set along the road and plot was designed at an interval of 200 meters. Any observed condition leading to unsustainability was recorded, also settlement type, vegetation types, drainage systems condition, roads' condition, livestock and crops found along were recorded as well. Computer programs including macro-soft excel, macro-soft word were used during data collection and analysis. The study revealed that even the drainage systems and roads around higher institutions like IRDP were not well maintained. The road maintenance including concrete and tarmac road had some implications of lowering sustainable development as drainage systems were not directed and maintained properly, off roads were prominent at the earth road from IRDP to a stop called Mwisho wa Lami around Miyuji street along the study area. The area was also, occupied by mostly exotic trees which is an indication that the natural vegetation scenery is no longer existing. Overgrazing around settlement and open spaces found along the whole road with distance of 5km was very alarming, this was done mostly during weekends, after office working hours and night hours, an indication that land use suitability is not implemented and hence sustainable development is withered. Sewage systems are not constructed around Miyuji area and thus the community is vulnerable to deadly diseases like diarrhea and Typhoid. The recommendation for the study were also made.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background information
1.1.1 Sustainable development
1.1.2 Brief historical change of Dodoma from the previous up to now
1.1.3 Development Sustainability Possibilities and how sustainable we are
1.1.4 Challenges facing Sustainable Development
2. Methodology
2.1 Study area
2.2 Land use type
2.3 Vegetation type
2.3.1 Woodlots
2.3.2 Thicket-woodlands
2.4 Crops
2.5 Livestock keeping
2.6 Methods and materials
2.7 Data analysis
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 Construction at various institutions such as at Institute of Rural Development Planning and Management (IRDP)
3.2 Road construction from IRDP to Mwisho wa Lami
3.3 Mwisho wa Lami to Dodoma municipality centre
3.4 Development of Dodoma town construction industry relating to sustainable development
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
4.1 Proposed measures to sustain environment at IRDP to Downtown Dodoma Municipality
Objectives and Topics
The research investigates the sustainability of development within the Dodoma Municipality by evaluating the impact of urban expansion, road infrastructure, and land-use practices on the local environment. It seeks to answer whether current development trajectories can be considered sustainable or if they lead to environmental degradation and public health risks.
- Environmental impact of urban construction and infrastructure development
- Assessment of drainage systems and waste management
- Loss of natural biodiversity and vegetation cover
- Public health implications related to poor urban planning
- Strategies for sustainable land use and environmental restoration
Excerpt from the Book
Brief historical change of Dodoma from the previous up to now
Dodoma municipality has developed gradually from a very small size to how it is now. Historically, the area was covered by natural shrubs with scattered trees of a variety of species including Acacia nilotica, Acacia tortilis, Acacia polyacantha, Ficus sur, Ficus sycomorus, Markhamia obtusifolia, Erthrina abyssinica. This vegetation accommodated a diversity of wildlife such as dik dik, lions and birds. The expansion of settlement has called for initiation of various government offices, establishment of small industries, road transport improvement. At the same time any wildlife trying to go across is killed. Soil erosion is prominent and thus soil degradation. The existing vegetation is completely new, comprising exotic trees such as Eucalyptus sp., Cryostegia madagascariensis, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Senna siamea, Senna spectabilis, Nerium oleander, Thevetia peruviana and many others not mentioned in this experimental study. Beentje (1994) pinpointed that the natural vegetation is severely degraded due to settlement establishment, and when a need for vegetation cover occurs, it is complemented with non-native trees. This is not sustainable development.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines sustainable development and discusses the environmental challenges caused by global population growth and urbanization, with a specific focus on the historical changes in Dodoma.
2. Methodology: Details the study area between the Institute of Rural Development Planning and the city center, explaining the observational walk method used to record land use, vegetation, and infrastructure conditions.
3. Results and Discussion: Analyzes the findings of the field survey, highlighting poor drainage, road-related environmental damage, and the negative impact of rapid, uncoordinated construction on local biodiversity.
4. Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizes the study's findings regarding the practical unattainability of current development patterns and proposes actionable measures, such as reforestation and better land-use zoning, to mitigate negative impacts.
Keywords
Development, Sustainable, Surrounding community, Dodoma, Infrastructure, Environment, Biodiversity, Land use, Urbanization, Drainage, Soil erosion, Sustainability, Vegetation, Construction, Ecology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The research examines whether the ongoing urban and infrastructural development in Dodoma Municipality is environmentally sustainable and what impacts it has on the surrounding ecosystem.
What are the primary themes of the study?
The study centers on urban planning, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, infrastructure construction, and the resulting public health and environmental consequences.
What is the main research question?
The core question is whether the development of Dodoma Municipality can be considered sustainable and how sustainability can be practically maintained in the face of rapid growth.
Which scientific method was employed?
The authors conducted an observational study along a 5km route, performing an "organized walk" at 200-meter intervals to record data on land use, vegetation types, drainage conditions, and infrastructure impacts.
What topics are discussed in the main section?
The main section covers the inefficiency of drainage systems at institutional sites like IRDP, the degradation caused by road construction, the loss of natural vegetation, and the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Development, Sustainable, Surrounding community, Biodiversity, Land use, and Urbanization.
What does the study conclude about road construction?
The study finds that current road construction practices in the area often disregard sustainability, leading to soil erosion, water accumulation, and the destruction of natural plant diversity.
What health risks are identified in the study?
Due to poorly constructed drainage and sewage systems, the community faces increased risks of deadly diseases, specifically mentioning the prevalence of malaria and Typhoid in the studied areas.
What is the recommendation regarding vegetation?
The researchers recommend replacing exotic tree species with indigenous ones to restore natural scenery and provide better environmental services like carbon sinking and erosion control.
What is the suggested role of institutions in Dodoma?
The authors argue that higher learning institutions should act as models for sustainable development by maintaining their own grounds properly and addressing local environmental hazards.
- Quote paper
- Noel Mwenda (Author), 2011, Is development of Dodoma Municipality sustainable? How sustainability is?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/191469
