Exploration of the Social Development Priorities of Urban People in Zanzibar, Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18533/r1kjax03Abstract
Understanding the social development priorities of urban residents has been a focus of both national and international agendas for many years. However, this agenda is often overlooked in many developing countries, where numerous individuals remain poorly connected and marginalised. The study aimed to investigate the social development priorities of urban dwellers in Zanzibar. An exploratory qualitative approach, including interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), was employed. The sample consisted of 203 key informants selected from five groups: religious leaders, politicians, urban traders, public servants, and youths. The research utilised thematic and content analysis to identify the social development priorities of each group. Findings indicate that social development priorities vary among religious leaders, political leaders, urban traders, public servants, and youths. These differences depend on their respective cultural, economic, and political contexts. The study's findings significantly contribute to the literature by deepening the understanding of people’s social development priorities in urban areas and add value to the existing knowledge of perceived social development priorities. Specifically, the study's results will serve as a roadmap for political, social, and economic development policies that accommodate the diverse cultures present in urban areas.
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