Bartlett School of Planning works on greenfield planning in Tanzania

With support from the International Growth Centre, Dr. Martina Manara and colleagues from the London School of Economics (LSE) and George Washington University (GWU) conducted an in-depth study of the ‘20K Plots’ project in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  

This initiative stands as a leading example of ‘greenfield’ or ‘de-novo’ urban planning –an approach that offers a viable solution to the rapid spread of informal settlements in fast-growing cities worldwide. 

Launched in the early 2000s, the ‘20K Plots’ project involved acquiring affordable agricultural land on the city’s outskirts, surveying and subdividing it, and selling serviced plots with road access and formal property rights. This contrasts sharply with the unplanned, underserved nature of informal settlements and demonstrates how greenfield development can be a powerful policy tool for African cities. 

Dr. Manara and Dr. Regan presented key lessons from the project to governments in Tanzania and Rwanda, before attending the next New Cities Summit in Kenya.  

In Dodoma, the research team convened over forty urban planning professionals from more than 40 municipalities, along with representatives from Tanzania’s Ministry of Lands and Human Settlement Development. Supported by the LSE’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact Department, the workshop featured presentations, interactive group work, and collaborative discussions to refine policy recommendations. 

The event concluded with actionable policy recommendations for future projects, including: 

• Reducing minimum plot sizes to improve affordability and access for lower-income residents. 
• Prioritizing land acquisition with strong connectivity to the city centres. 
• Developing strategies to attract new residents, particularly early movers, and foster vibrant communities. 
• Empowering local communities to create public goods as new neighbourhoods take shape. 

These insights offer a roadmap for cities seeking to manage urban growth and provide inclusive, well-planned housing solutions. 

Prof. Lauren Andres, Research Director at The Bartlett School of Planning said: “The work Martina is undertaking in Tanzania is outstanding and extremely meaningful noting how spare planning capacity is in African cities. Fostering transformative change by developing planning skills and tools and empowering local communities is at the core of shaping transformative changes and influencing urban and policy making. Martina’s work demonstrates the reach of BSP research and its commitment to influence critical agendas aimed at creating inclusive and well-planned living spaces for the most vulnerable”.