Drivers for green cities development in developing countries: Ghanaian perspective

Abstract

There is a lack of research on the drivers for green cities development in developing countries. This study aims to investigate the key drivers for green cities development in Ghana. To this end, 19 drivers were identified from a comprehensive literature review, and a questionnaire survey was performed with 154 professionals with green cities development experience. In using the exploratory factor analysis and the fuzzy synthetic evaluation, 4 green cities driver criteria were developed viz., health and wellbeing; green attraction and social inclusion; green governance and management; and green environment and materials. Though this study was conducted in Ghana, the lessons could be adapted for promoting green cities development in other countries that share similar characteristics with Ghana. This paper presents the first comprehensive empirical study on the drivers for green cities development in Ghana, contributing to the green cities’ development body of knowledge. The findings can help policymakers and practitioners promote widespread green cities development.

Keywords:

• Green cities development
• drivers
• Ghana
• fuzzy synthetic evaluation
• sustainable development

Acknowledgement

This paper forms part of a large MSc. research project aimed at developing an Apposite framework for green cities development in developing countries. The authors also appreciatively acknowledge the Department of Construction Technology and Management, KNUST for supporting this research. Special appreciations also go to the Editors and Reviewers whose constructive and invaluable comments and propositions played a pivotal role in noticeably improving the quality of the work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the data collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

Additional information

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for funding this research.