Sustainable communities play a critical role in urban development, as they possess the ability to effectively address challenges associated with rapid urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Attaining sustainable communities through social inclusiveness, economic vigour, and environmental stewardship is a multifaceted endeavour. Therefore, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the contextual variables, constraints, and opportunities that exert influence on the advancement of sustainable communities in SSA is of paramount importance to facilitate well-informed policy formulation and strategic planning. Existing studies suggest that contextualization among other aspects, plays a critical role in ensuring that development interventions uphold and combine local values and practices. This approach fosters a feeling of ownership as well as cultural continuity in the community. However, there is a lack of studies that have put together the available information on the impact of contextualising sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study aims to address these disparities by consolidating the comprehension of how sustainable communities can be included and adapted for urban planning and development in SSA cities. This will consist of a comprehensive analysis of the available urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures in cities in SSA. This protocol will keep to the guidelines defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA 2020). A systematic review will be conducted to assess the obstacles and barriers encountered in the development and execution of urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures intended for creating sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study will consider the time frame spanning from 1990 to 2024. A minimum of eight appropriate databases will be searched, including government documents, academic journals, and publications from international development agencies. Two and three concept search structures will be used and documented in Table 3. The Rayyan Reviewer software will be utilized for data management and analysis. Two reviewers will Independently, screen all literature retrieved, full-text articles and extract data. A thorough quality assessment of the included studies will be conducted. Studies included in the review will be analyzed appropriately based on the type of data obtained. This protocol with reference number CRD2024608143 is registered with the PROSPERO global prospective register of systematic reviews.
| Published in | Frontiers (Volume 5, Issue 3) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14 |
| Page(s) | 114-143 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Sustainable Communities, Contextualizing, Systematic Review, Sub-Sahara Africa
ASSIA | Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts |
DoP | Department of Planning |
IBSS | International Bibliography of the Social Sciences |
JBI | Joana Briggs Institute |
PICO | Population (Problem), Intervention, Comparator and Outcome |
PRISMA-P | Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols |
PROSPERO | International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews |
SSA | Sub-sahara Africa |
RQs | Review Questions |
Dimension | Key Variables | Analytical Focus |
|---|---|---|
Urban Policies | National/municipal policy frameworks | Alignment with sustainability goals, clarity of objectives |
Planning Regulations | Zoning laws, land use Acts, environmental standards | Rigor, enforceability, integration of green and inclusive principles |
Governance Structures | Institutional arrangements, decision-making, decentralisation | Participation, coordination, autonomy, and legitimacy |
Social Equity | Access to land/services, housing security, participatory planning | Inclusion of vulnerable groups; distributive justice |
Environmental Sustainability | Climate adaptation, green spaces, risk management | Long-term ecological health and risk mitigation in urban development |
Economic Vitality | Employment, local economies, infrastructure access | Support for livelihoods, especially in informal and peri-urban areas |
Barriers and Challenges | Political interference, technical deficits, informal practices | Practical constraints in applying sustainability principles |
Section and Topic | Item | Checklist item | Location where item is reported |
|---|---|---|---|
TITLE | |||
Title | 1 | Identify the report as a systematic review. | Page 1 |
ABSTRACT | |||
Abstract | 2 | See the PRISMA 2020 for Abstracts checklist. | Page 1 |
INTRODUCTION | |||
Rationale | 3 | Describe the rationale for the review in the context of existing knowledge. | Page 7 |
Objectives | 4 | Provide an explicit statement of the objective(s) or question(s) the review addresses. | Page 8 |
METHODS | |||
Eligibility criteria | 5 | Specify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the review and how studies were grouped for the syntheses. | Page 9 |
Information sources | 6 | Specify all databases, registers, websites, organisations, reference lists and other sources searched or consulted to identify studies. Specify the date when each source was last searched or consulted. | Page 10 |
Search strategy | 7 | Present the full search strategies for all databases, registers and websites, including any filters and limits used. | Page 10 |
Selection process | 8 | Specify the methods used to decide whether a study met the inclusion criteria of the review, including how many reviewers screened each record and each report retrieved, whether they worked independently, and if applicable, details of automation tools used in the process. | Page 11 |
Data collection process | 9 | Specify the methods used to collect data from reports, including how many reviewers collected data from each report, whether they worked independently, any processes for obtaining or confirming data from study investigators, and if applicable, details of automation tools used in the process. | Page 12 |
Data items | 10a | List and define all outcomes for which data were sought. Specify whether all results that were compatible with each outcome domain in each study were sought (e.g. for all measures, time points, analyses), and if not, the methods used to decide which results to collect. | Page 12-14 |
10b | List and define all other variables for which data were sought (e.g. participant and intervention characteristics, funding sources). Describe any assumptions made about any missing or unclear information. | Page 12-14 | |
Study risk of bias assessment | 11 | Specify the methods used to assess risk of bias in the included studies, including details of the tool(s) used, how many reviewers assessed each study and whether they worked independently, and if applicable, details of automation tools used in the process. | Page 13 |
Effect measures | 12 | Specify for each outcome the effect measure(s) (e.g. risk ratio, mean difference) used in the synthesis or presentation of results. | N/A |
Synthesis methods | 13a | Describe the processes used to decide which studies were eligible for each synthesis (e.g. tabulating the study intervention characteristics and comparing against the planned groups for each synthesis (item #5)). | Page 15 |
13b | Describe any methods required to prepare the data for presentation or synthesis, such as handling of missing summary statistics, or data conversions. | Page 15 | |
13c | Describe any methods used to tabulate or visually display results of individual studies and syntheses. | N/A | |
13d | Describe any methods used to synthesize results and provide a rationale for the choice(s). If meta-analysis was performed, describe the model(s), method(s) to identify the presence and extent of statistical heterogeneity, and software package(s) used. | N/A | |
13e | Describe any methods used to explore possible causes of heterogeneity among study results (e.g. subgroup analysis, meta-regression). | N/A | |
13f | Describe any sensitivity analyses conducted to assess robustness of the synthesized results. | N/A | |
Reporting bias assessment | 14 | Describe any methods used to assess risk of bias due to missing results in a synthesis (arising from reporting biases). | Page 13 |
Certainty assessment | 15 | Describe any methods used to assess certainty (or confidence) in the body of evidence for an outcome. | N/A |
RESULTS | |||
Study selection | 16a | Describe the results of the search and selection process, from the number of records identified in the search to the number of studies included in the review, ideally using a flow diagram. | Page 11 |
16b | Cite studies that might appear to meet the inclusion criteria, but which were excluded, and explain why they were excluded. | N/A | |
Study characteristics | 17 | Cite each included study and present its characteristics. | N/A |
Risk of bias in studies | 18 | Present assessments of risk of bias for each included study. | Page 13 |
Results of individual studies | 19 | For all outcomes, present, for each study: (a) summary statistics for each group (where appropriate) and (b) an effect estimate and its precision (e.g. confidence/credible interval), ideally using structured tables or plots. | N/A |
Results of syntheses | 20a | For each synthesis, briefly summarise the characteristics and risk of bias among contributing studies. | N/A |
20b | Present results of all statistical syntheses conducted. If meta-analysis was done, present for each the summary estimate and its precision (e.g. confidence/credible interval) and measures of statistical heterogeneity. If comparing groups, describe the direction of the effect. | N/A | |
20c | Present results of all investigations of possible causes of heterogeneity among study results. | N/A | |
20d | Present results of all sensitivity analyses conducted to assess the robustness of the synthesized results. | N/A | |
Reporting biases | 21 | Present assessments of risk of bias due to missing results (arising from reporting biases) for each synthesis assessed. | N/A |
Certainty of evidence | 22 | Present assessments of certainty (or confidence) in the body of evidence for each outcome assessed. | N/A |
DISCUSSION | |||
Discussion | 23a | Provide a general interpretation of the results in the context of other evidence. | Page 15 |
23b | Discuss any limitations of the evidence included in the review. | N/A | |
23c | Discuss any limitations of the review processes used. | N/A | |
23d | Discuss implications of the results for practice, policy, and future research. | N/A | |
OTHER INFORMATION | |||
Registration and protocol | 24a | Provide registration information for the review, including register name and registration number, or state that the review was not registered. | PROSPERO |
24b | Indicate where the review protocol can be accessed, or state that a protocol was not prepared. | N/A | |
24c | Describe and explain any amendments to information provided at registration or in the protocol. | N/A | |
Support | 25 | Describe sources of financial or non-financial support for the review, and the role of the funders or sponsors in the review. | N/A |
Competing interests | 26 | Declare any competing interests of review authors. | N/A |
Availability of data, code and other materials | 27 | Report which of the following are publicly available and where they can be found: template data collection forms; data extracted from included studies; data used for all analyses; analytic code; any other materials used in the review. | Page 15 |
Key word | Alternative words or Variation | |
|---|---|---|
1 | Sustainable Communities | Eco-friendly neighborhoods OR Green living developments OR Resilient urban planning OR Regenerative settlements OR Environmentally conscious communities OR Eco-villages OR Low-impact living OR Climate-smart towns OR Earth-conscious housing OR Conservation-oriented neighborhoods OR Self-sustaining communities OR Sustainable housing projects OR Renewable living areas OR Green urban development OR Eco-centric neighborhoods OR Permaculture towns OR Carbon-neutral communities OR Eco-residential planning OR Sustainable urbanism OR Walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods OR Green building communities OR Eco-housing initiatives OR Net-zero energy developments OR Community sustainability initiatives OR Environmentally responsible neighborhoods OR Sustainable suburban planning OR Green infrastructure projects OR Eco-friendly housing options OR Sustainable neighborhood design |
2 | Sustainable | Eco-friendly OR Environmentally friendly OR Conservation-minded OR Earth-conscious OR Regenerative OR Low-impact OR Climate-smart OR Resilient OR Eco-efficient OR Conservation-oriented OR Environment-conscious OR Earth-friendly OR Planet-friendly OR Green-minded |
3 | Communities | Neighborhoods OR Suburbs OR Villages OR Residential areas OR Hamlets OR Settlements OR Localities Communal living OR Human settlements OR Towns OR Residential districts OR Communes OR Habitat OR Boroughs OR Quarters OR Habitat clusters OR Urban and rural areas OR Township OR Regional communities OR Gated communities |
4 | Cities | City OR Urban OR Urbans OR Urbanisation OR Centers |
5 | Sub-Saharan Africa | Africa filter: Angola OR Benin OR Botswana OR Burkina Faso OR Burundi OR Cameroon OR Cape Verde OR Central African Republic OR Chad OR Comoros OR Congo OR Democratic Republic of Congo OR Djibouti OR Equatorial Guinea OR Eritrea OR Ethiopia OR Gabon OR Gambia OR Ghana OR Guinea OR Guinea Bissau OR Ivory Coast OR Cote d’Ivoire OR Kenya OR Lesotho OR Liberia OR Madagascar OR Malawi OR Mali OR Mauritania OR Mauritius OR Mozambique OR Namibia OR Niger OR Nigeria OR Principe OR Reunion OR Rwanda OR Sao Tome OR Senegal OR Seychelles OR Sierra Leone OR Somalia OR South Africa OR Sudan OR Swaziland OR Tanzania OR Togo OR Uganda OR Western Sahara OR Zambia OR Zimbabwe OR Central African OR West Africa OR Western African OR Eastern African OR South African OR Southern Africa OR sub Saharan Africa |
6 | Urban policies | Urban planning policies OR Urban growth policy OR Land use policy OR Urban renewal policies OR Urban transport policy OR Urban economic policy OR Urban environmental policy OR Urban health policy OR Urban housing policy OR Local government policy OR Spatial planning policy OR Regional development policy OR Urban resilience planning OR Urban regeneration policy OR Urban landscape policy OR Slum upgrading policy OR Urban equity and inclusion policies OR Climate adaptation policy for cities OR Urban social policy OR Urban mobility policy OR Urban welfare policy OR City beautification policy |
7 | Planning regulations | Zoning laws OR Land use regulation OR Urban planning law OR Land development regulations OR Spatial regulation OR Town planning legislation OR Spatial planning law OR Environmental planning law OR Real estate development law OR Regional planning regulation OR Urban renewal legislation OR Master planning laws |
8 | Governance structures | Administrative structures OR Institutional structures OR Decision-making structures OR Government systems OR Bureaucratic structures OR Power structures OR Political systems |
9 | Challenges | Challenge OR Problems OR Problem OR Snags OR Snag OR Obstacles OR Obstacles OR Difficulty OR Difficulties |
10 | Barriers | Barrier OR Limitation OR Limitations OR Obstruction OR Obstructions OR Constraint OR Constraints OR Interference OR Interferences |
# | Research Questions | Searching terms |
1 | Two concept searching term for: R1 | ("Urban Policies") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR " Sub-Sahara Africa ") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Governance") ("Urban" OR "City") AND ("Policy" OR "Governance") AND ("Sustainab*" OR " Sub-Saharan Africa ") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Plan*" OR "Zon*") |
2 | R2 | "Social Equity" OR "Equitable Development") AND ("Environmental Sustainability" OR "Sustainable Environment") AND ("Economic Vitality" OR "Economic Prosperity") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Inclusive Communities" OR "Social Inclusion") AND ("Green Practices" OR "Environmental Conservation") AND ("Economic Growth" OR "Financial Well-being") AND "SSA" |
3 | R3 | ("Challenges" OR "Barriers") AND ("Urban Policies" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Planning Regulations" OR "Zoning Laws" OR "Governance Structures") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Obstacles" OR "Constraints" OR "Hurdles") AND ("Urban Policy" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Sustainable Development" OR "Eco-Friendly Communities") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Zon*") AND "SSA" |
4 | Three concept searching term for: R1 | ("Urban Policies" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND ("Planning Regulations" OR "Zoning Laws" OR "Governance Structures") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Urban Policy" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Sustainable Development" OR "Eco-Friendly Communities") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Zon*") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Urban Policies" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Community Sustainability" OR "Green Living" OR "Eco-Villages") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Governance Structures") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" |
5 | R1 | ("Urban Policies" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND ("Planning Regulations" OR "Zoning Laws" OR "Governance Structures") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Urban Policy Challenges" OR "Planning Regulation Barriers" OR "Governance Structure Issues") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND "SSA" ("Urban Policies in Africa" OR "City Planning Challenges" OR "Municipal Governance Obstacles") AND ("Sustainable Development" OR "Eco-Friendly Communities") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Zon*") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" |
6 | R2 | ("Social Equity" OR "Inclusive Development" OR "Community Equality") AND ("Environmental Sustainability" OR "Eco-friendly Practices" OR "Green Initiatives") AND ("Economic Vitality" OR "Financial Prosperity" OR "Sustainable Economies") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Equitable Society" OR "Environmental Conservation" OR "Economic Growth") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Green Living" OR "Economic Prosperity") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Zon*") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Social Inclusion" OR "Eco-consciousness" OR "Financial Well-being") AND ("Community Sustainability" OR "Eco-villages" OR "Economic Resilience") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Governance Structures") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" |
7 | R2 | ("Social Equity" OR "Equitable Development") AND ("Environmental Sustainability" OR "Sustainable Environmental Practices") AND ("Economic Vitality" OR "Economic Development") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Equity" OR "Fairness" OR "Social Justice") AND ("Sustainable Environment" OR "Green Practices") AND ("Economic Prosperity" OR "Vibrant Economy") AND "SSA" ("Inclusive Development" OR "Social Inclusion") AND ("Environmental Conservation" OR "Green Initiatives") AND ("Economic Growth" OR "Financial Well-being") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" |
8 | R3 | ("Challenges" OR "Barriers" OR "Obstacles") AND ("Urban Policies" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Planning Regulations" OR "Zoning Laws" OR "Governance Structures") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Limitations" OR "Constraints" OR "Issues") AND ("Urban Policy" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Sustainable Development" OR "Eco-Friendly Communities") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Zon*") AND "SSA" ("Urban Policy Challenges" OR "Planning Regulation Barriers" OR "Governance Structure Obstacles") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" |
9 | R3 | ("Challenges" OR "Barriers" OR "Obstacles") AND ("Urban Policies" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Planning Regulations" OR "Zoning Laws" OR "Governance Structures") AND ("Sustainable Communities" OR "Sustainability") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" ("Constraints" OR "Limitations" OR "Issues") AND ("Urban Policy" OR "City Planning" OR "Municipal Governance") AND ("Sustainable Development" OR "Eco-Friendly Communities") AND ("Regulat*" OR "Zon*") AND "SSA" ("Challenges and Barriers" OR "Obstacles and Constraints" OR "Issues in Urban Policies") AND ("Planning Regulations" OR "Governance Structures for Sustainable Communities") AND "Sub-Saharan Africa" |
Category of study designs | Methodological quality criteria | Yes | No | Can’t Tell | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screening questions (for all types) | S1. Are there clear research questions? | ||||
S2. Do the collected data allow to address the research questions? | |||||
1. Qualitative | 1.1. Is the qualitative approach appropriate to answer the research question? | ||||
1.2. Are the qualitative data collection methods adequate to address the research question? | |||||
1.3. Are the findings adequately derived from the data? | |||||
1.4. Is the interpretation of results sufficiently substantiated by data? | |||||
1.5. Is there coherence between qualitative data sources, collection, analysis and interpretation? | |||||
2. Quantitative randomized controlled trials | 2.1. Is randomization appropriately performed? | ||||
2.2. Are the groups comparable at baseline? | |||||
2.3. Are there complete outcome data? | |||||
2.4. Are outcome assessors blinded to the intervention provided? | |||||
2.5 Did the participants adhere to the assigned intervention? | |||||
3. Quantitative nonrandomized | 3.1. Are the participants representative of the target population? | ||||
3.2. Are measurements appropriate regarding both the outcome and intervention (or exposure)? | |||||
3.3. Are there complete outcome data? | |||||
3.4. Are the confounders accounted for in the design and analysis? | |||||
3.5. During the study period, is the intervention administered (or exposure occurred) as intended? | |||||
4. Quantitative descriptive | 4.1. Is the sampling strategy relevant to address the research question? | ||||
4.2. Is the sample representative of the target population? | |||||
4.3. Are the measurements appropriate? | |||||
4.4. Is the risk of nonresponse bias low? | |||||
4.5. Is the statistical analysis appropriate to answer the research question? | |||||
5. Mixed methods | 5.1. Is there an adequate rationale for using a mixed methods design to address the research question? | ||||
5.2. Are the different components of the study effectively integrated to answer the research question? | |||||
5.3. Are the outputs of the integration of qualitative and quantitative components adequately interpreted? | |||||
5.4. Are divergences and inconsistencies between quantitative and qualitative results adequately addressed? | |||||
5.5. Do the different components of the study adhere to the quality criteria of each tradition of the methods involved? |
Study ID: | Report ID: | Date form completed: | ||
First author: | Year of study: | Data extractor: | ||
Citation: | ||||
Journal/Source | ||||
DOI or URL | ||||
Publication type | ||||
Journal Article [] Report [] | Working paper [] Conference Presentation [] | Dissertation [] Draft report [] | Other (specify e.g. book chapter)________________ | |
Aim of study: | ||||
Country of study: | ||||
Funding source of study: | Possible conflict of interest from funding? Y / N / unclear | |||
Public institution [] | Private institution [] | Is it an independent evaluation (not funded by the implementing agency)? Y / N / unclear | ||
Government [] | Multilateral Organisation [] | Is there possible conflict of interest connected with study which could affect results collected/reported? Y/N/ N / unclear | ||
Not clear [] | N/A [] | |||
Study Characteristics | Research Design | Sample Size | Sampling Method | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Study Type | |||||
Randomized control trial [] | |||||
Non-Randomized control trial [] | |||||
Descriptive [] | |||||
Mixed Methods [] | |||||
Does the study design meet the criteria for inclusion? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] Does the location of study meet the criteria for inclusion? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] | |||||
Description in text: | |||||
Mixed-use Developments Characteristics | Study Results | Author(s) Opinion | Author(s) Conclusion | ||
Diversity | |||||
Intensity | |||||
Integration uses | |||||
Study Variables | Review Inclusion criteria | Yes/ No / Unclear | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
key Variables | Sustainable Communities | ||
Urban Policies | |||
Planning Regulations | |||
Governance Structures | |||
Social Equity | |||
Environmental Sustainability | |||
Economic Vitality | |||
Challenges | |||
Barriers | |||
Is the article peered reviewed? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] | |||
Does article meet the criteria for inclusion? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] | |||
Include in review [] | Exclude from review [] |
Independently assessed, and then compared? Yes [] No [] | Differences resolved Yes [] No [] |
Request further details? Yes [] No [] | Contact details of authors: |
Notes: | |
Study intention | Descriptions as stated in the report/paper | Page |
|---|---|---|
Study aim | ||
Study objective (s) |
Methods & Results | Descriptions as stated in the report/paper | Page |
|---|---|---|
Ethics - how ethical issues were addressed | ||
Any theoretical/conceptual framework used in the study? | ||
Indicate the sampling approach | ||
Inclusion/exclusion criteria for participation in study | ||
Data collection methods | ||
Data analysis techniques | ||
List and define the key variables examined in the study | ||
How these variables were measured (e.g., surveys, GIS data, etc.) | ||
Statistical Methods used (e.g., regression analysis, ANOVA) | ||
Statistical Software used (e.g., SPSS) | ||
Effect sizes | ||
Confidence intervals | ||
P-values | ||
Report on statistically significant findings | ||
Key study findings/results | ||
Authors explanations | ||
Authors conclusions | ||
References to other relevant studies | ||
Additional notes by review authors | ||
Correspondence required for further study information (from whom, what and when) |
Study ID: | Report ID: | Date form completed: | ||
First author: | Year of study: | Data extractor: | ||
Citation: | ||||
Journal/Source | ||||
DOI or URL | ||||
Publication type | ||||
Journal Article [] Report [] | Working paper [] Conference Presentation [] | Dissertation [] Draft report [] | Other (specify e.g. book chapter)________________ | |
Aim of study: | ||||
Country of study: | ||||
Funding source of study: | Possible conflict of interest from funding? Y / N / unclear | |||
Public institution [] | Private institution [] | Is it an independent evaluation (not funded by the implementing agency)? Y / N / unclear | ||
Government [] | Multilateral Organisation [] | Is there possible conflict of interest connected with study which could affect results collected/reported? Y/N/ N / unclear | ||
Not clear [] | N/A [] | |||
Study Characteristics | Research Design | Sample Size | Sampling Method | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Study Type | ||||
Qualitative [] | ||||
Is the study design clearly stated? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] Is it conducted alongside quantitative study? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] Does the location of study meet the criteria for inclusion? Yes [] No [] Exclude Unclear [] | ||||
Description in text: | ||||
Include in review [] | Exclude from review [] |
Independently assessed, and then compared? Yes [] No [] | Differences resolved Yes [] No [] |
Request further details? Yes [] No [] | Contact details of authors: |
Notes: | |
Study intention | Descriptions as stated in the report/paper | Page |
|---|---|---|
Study aim | ||
Study objective (s) |
Methods & Results | Descriptions as stated in the report/paper | Page |
|---|---|---|
Ethics - how ethical issues were addressed | ||
Any theoretical/conceptual framework used in the study? | ||
Indicate the sampling approach | ||
Inclusion/exclusion criteria for participation in study | ||
Data collection methods | ||
Data analysis techniques | ||
Themes emanating from data | ||
Data extracts related to the key themes | ||
Key study findings/results | ||
Authors explanations | ||
Authors conclusions | ||
References to other relevant studies | ||
Additional notes by review authors | ||
Correspondence required for further study information (from whom, what and when) |
Reference | |
Study setting | |
Study and methods | |
Key findings related to urban policies of sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to planning regulations of sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to governance structures of sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to social equity of sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to environmental sustainability of sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to economic vitality of sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to challenges of urban policies in sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to challenges of planning regulations in sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to challenges of governance structures in sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to barriers of urban policies in sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to barriers of planning regulations in sustainable communities | |
Key findings related to barriers of governance structures in sustainable communities |
Study Title | |
Authors | |
Publication Year |
Attributes | Domain | Yes | No | Unclear | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Selection Bias | Was the sampling technique well documented and suitable for the study? | ||||
Was the sample size deemed suitable and adequate for addressing the study question? | |||||
Were the research participants accurately representative of the intended population? | |||||
Measurement Bias | Were the measuring tools or instruments well expounded and suitable for the study? | ||||
Did the measuring methods show uniformity among the participants of study? | |||||
Were the measuring instruments tested and deemed trustworthy, or were they obtained from sources that have already been validated? | |||||
Confounding Bias | Were any possible confounding factors identified and accounted for in the study? | ||||
Were suitable statistical methods employed to mitigate the influence of confounding variables (e.g., regression analysis)? | |||||
Was the analysis carried out considered possible impact of the modifiers? | |||||
Attrition Bias | Was there a significant incidence of attrition or data missing in the study? | ||||
Were suitable statistical methods utilized to handle data missing? | |||||
Were any missing data addressed by using imputation techniques or sensitivity analyses? | |||||
Reporting Bias | Were all results thoroughly evaluated and accurately reported according to the initial plan, without any instances of selective reporting? | ||||
Was there any biased reporting or selective presentation of findings? | |||||
Were the research outcomes compared with the research objectives and propositions? | |||||
Other Bias | Were there any more possible bias sources not addressed above? |
Reviewer | Date | |
Author | Year | Record # |
Question | Yes | No | Unclear | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Is there congruity between the stated philosophical Perspective and the research methodology? |
| |||
2 | Is there congruity between the research methodology and the research question or objectives? | ||||
3 | Is there congruity between the research methodology and the methods used to collect data? | ||||
4 | Is there congruity between the research methodology and the representation and analysis of data? | ||||
5 | Is there congruity between the research methodology and the interpretation of results? | ||||
6 | Is there a statement locating the researcher culturally or theoretically? | ||||
7 | Is the influence of the researcher on the research, and vice-versa, addressed? | ||||
8 | Are participants, and their voices, adequately represented? | ||||
9 | Is the research ethical according to current criteria or, for recent studies, and is there evidence of ethical approval by an appropriate body? | ||||
10 | Do the conclusions drawn in the research report flow from the analysis, or interpretation, of the data? |
I² Value | Interpretation | Analytical Strategy |
|---|---|---|
0-25% | Low heterogeneity | Proceed with a fixed-effect model, assuming homogeneity of effects. |
26-50% | Moderate heterogeneity | Use a random-effects model to account for between-study variation. |
51-75% | Substantial heterogeneity | Apply a random-effects model; consider subgroup analysis or meta-regression. |
>75% | Considerable heterogeneity | Avoid meta-analysis; use narrative synthesis or qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to explore diversity and context. |
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APA Style
Afful, D. S., Poku-Boansi, M., Doe, B., Asibey, M. O. (2025). Contextualising Sustainable Communities in Sub-sahara Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol. Frontiers, 5(3), 114-143. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14
ACS Style
Afful, D. S.; Poku-Boansi, M.; Doe, B.; Asibey, M. O. Contextualising Sustainable Communities in Sub-sahara Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol. Frontiers. 2025, 5(3), 114-143. doi: 10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14
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Download@article{10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14,
author = {David Sam Afful and Michael Poku-Boansi and Benjamin Doe and Michael Osei Asibey},
title = {Contextualising Sustainable Communities in Sub-sahara Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol
},
journal = {Frontiers},
volume = {5},
number = {3},
pages = {114-143},
doi = {10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.frontiers.20250503.14},
abstract = {Sustainable communities play a critical role in urban development, as they possess the ability to effectively address challenges associated with rapid urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Attaining sustainable communities through social inclusiveness, economic vigour, and environmental stewardship is a multifaceted endeavour. Therefore, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the contextual variables, constraints, and opportunities that exert influence on the advancement of sustainable communities in SSA is of paramount importance to facilitate well-informed policy formulation and strategic planning. Existing studies suggest that contextualization among other aspects, plays a critical role in ensuring that development interventions uphold and combine local values and practices. This approach fosters a feeling of ownership as well as cultural continuity in the community. However, there is a lack of studies that have put together the available information on the impact of contextualising sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study aims to address these disparities by consolidating the comprehension of how sustainable communities can be included and adapted for urban planning and development in SSA cities. This will consist of a comprehensive analysis of the available urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures in cities in SSA. This protocol will keep to the guidelines defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA 2020). A systematic review will be conducted to assess the obstacles and barriers encountered in the development and execution of urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures intended for creating sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study will consider the time frame spanning from 1990 to 2024. A minimum of eight appropriate databases will be searched, including government documents, academic journals, and publications from international development agencies. Two and three concept search structures will be used and documented in Table 3. The Rayyan Reviewer software will be utilized for data management and analysis. Two reviewers will Independently, screen all literature retrieved, full-text articles and extract data. A thorough quality assessment of the included studies will be conducted. Studies included in the review will be analyzed appropriately based on the type of data obtained. This protocol with reference number CRD2024608143 is registered with the PROSPERO global prospective register of systematic reviews.},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Contextualising Sustainable Communities in Sub-sahara Africa: A Systematic Review Protocol AU - David Sam Afful AU - Michael Poku-Boansi AU - Benjamin Doe AU - Michael Osei Asibey Y1 - 2025/08/25 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14 DO - 10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14 T2 - Frontiers JF - Frontiers JO - Frontiers SP - 114 EP - 143 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2994-7197 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.frontiers.20250503.14 AB - Sustainable communities play a critical role in urban development, as they possess the ability to effectively address challenges associated with rapid urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Attaining sustainable communities through social inclusiveness, economic vigour, and environmental stewardship is a multifaceted endeavour. Therefore, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the contextual variables, constraints, and opportunities that exert influence on the advancement of sustainable communities in SSA is of paramount importance to facilitate well-informed policy formulation and strategic planning. Existing studies suggest that contextualization among other aspects, plays a critical role in ensuring that development interventions uphold and combine local values and practices. This approach fosters a feeling of ownership as well as cultural continuity in the community. However, there is a lack of studies that have put together the available information on the impact of contextualising sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study aims to address these disparities by consolidating the comprehension of how sustainable communities can be included and adapted for urban planning and development in SSA cities. This will consist of a comprehensive analysis of the available urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures in cities in SSA. This protocol will keep to the guidelines defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA 2020). A systematic review will be conducted to assess the obstacles and barriers encountered in the development and execution of urban policies, planning laws, and governance structures intended for creating sustainable communities in cities in SSA. This study will consider the time frame spanning from 1990 to 2024. A minimum of eight appropriate databases will be searched, including government documents, academic journals, and publications from international development agencies. Two and three concept search structures will be used and documented in Table 3. The Rayyan Reviewer software will be utilized for data management and analysis. Two reviewers will Independently, screen all literature retrieved, full-text articles and extract data. A thorough quality assessment of the included studies will be conducted. Studies included in the review will be analyzed appropriately based on the type of data obtained. This protocol with reference number CRD2024608143 is registered with the PROSPERO global prospective register of systematic reviews. VL - 5 IS - 3 ER -
Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
