Accessibility and usage patterns of urban green spaces in Mogadishu, Somalia

This study assessed urban green space (UGS) accessibility and usage in Mogadishu, Somalia, a city facing significant post-conflict challenges. Employing a quantitative survey with 138 residents and GIS analysis, the research examined UGS availability, distribution, proximity, and resident perceptions. Findings reveal a severe UGS crisis marked by widespread depletion, critical inaccessibility, and infrequent public use. Over 60,524.7 square metres of former public UGS are now inaccessible due to privatisation or occupation by Internally Displaced Persons. The city’s three paid private parks, totalling 159,788 m2, are deemed inadequate. A majority of residents expressed dissatisfaction with UGS availability and proximity, with only 14% able to reach a green space within a 15-minute walk. Visitation is low, primarily for relaxation and stress relief. A crucial finding highlights the normalisation of limited access among the 25–35 age group (born post-civil war), potentially hindering future advocacy for these resources. This crisis stems from land grabbing, privatisation, Internally Displaced Persons’ settlements, and security concerns. Urgent, multi-faceted interventions are needed, including strategic urban planning, addressing underlying challenges, and public education campaigns, to enhance well-being and support Mogadishu’s sustainable recovery.