Burgeoning of Commercial Ornamental Plant Nurseries in Dar es Salaam City: Challenge and Future Prosperity

Abstract

Commercial ornamental nurseries are popping up everywhere in the city of Dar es Salaam. However, as the city urbanizes, the commercial ornamental nurseries are confronted by several challenges of which are inadequately explored and documented. This research examines challenges, problems and explains the future prospects of commercial ornamental nurseries in the city of Dar es Salaam. The study adopted the case study design where the method for data collection relied on in-depth interviews and observation. Results revealed that ornamental plant dealers face several challenges such as; unsecured land tenure, which threaten the prosperity of the commercial ornamentalnursery practices. Problems encountered are those related to plant pests, diseases management and inaccessibility of water for irrigation. On the other hand, commercial ornamental dealers get little support from the responsible city authorities in access land and management of pest and diseases. The study recommends that success of commercial ornamental nursery industry needs more support from different actors and policies together with capacity building among the commercial ornamental dealers.