Urban green infrastructure as community facilities: a stewardship framework for the Segoditshane river corridor in Gaborone, Botswana

Purpose This study aims to investigate how community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) principles can inform the stewardship and management of urban green infrastructure, using the Segoditshane River Corridor (SRC) in Gaborone, Botswana, as a case study. It examines the current functional state of the SRC, identifies key success factors for community-led facilities management and proposes management strategies to enhance community stewardship and utility of the corridor as a public and community facility. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study design was adopted, integrating multiple data sources: semi-structured interviews with government officials, a structured community questionnaire survey of 29 residents, non-participant observation and document review. Data were analysed using thematic and qualitative content analysis to integrate perspectives across stakeholders and contextualise findings within CBNRM and urban facility management frameworks. Findings The SRC is currently underutilised, environmentally degraded and subject to safety concerns. Governance gaps and limited community engagement constrain its optimal functional utility. Key success factors for community-based management include inclusive participation, local ownership and coordinated institutional support. Residents expressed interest in multifunctional land uses such as recreational spaces, urban agriculture and community-managed facilities, suggesting strong potential for community stewardship – when involved in the management of the community’s green facility. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a single qualitative case study of the SRC, which enables in-depth contextual analysis but limits the generalisability of findings beyond similar urban contexts. The community sample was relatively small (29 respondents) and selected through convenience sampling, which may not fully represent the diversity of perspectives across Gaborone. Data were collected at one point in time and therefore do not capture seasonal or longitudinal changes in river conditions, land use practices or community engagement. In addition, much of the evidence is derived from self-reported perceptions and researcher observations, which may be subject to response and interpretation bias despite triangulation. Finally, the proposed stewardship and land-use strategies were not empirically tested. Practical implications By incorporating resident preferences, demographic realities and existing ecological assets, urban planners and municipal authorities can design interventions that simultaneously enhance recreation, livelihoods and environmental quality. Examples include urban agriculture plots for women, recreational facilities for youth, pedestrian trails and event hosting centres. These interventions can create local employment opportunities, strengthen social cohesion, improve the maintenance and security of public open spaces. The study underscores that CBNRM-informed management is not only socially inclusive but also economically and environmentally sustainable, offering a practical framework for municipalities facing resource constraints. Originality/value This study extends the application of CBNRM beyond rural contexts into urban green infrastructure and facilities management, demonstrating the potential for community-based stewardship to enhance social, ecological and economic outcomes. It provides empirically grounded insights relevant to researchers, practitioners and policymakers working to improve urban natural resource governance.