Vulnerable narratives to drive resilience strategies in Tanzania's island cities

Grounded in theories of eco-resilience and inclusive urban governance, this research investigated how participatory and visual methodologies elevate marginalized voices—particularly those of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs)—within sustainable urban development processes in Pemba Island, Tanzania. The study employed focus group discussions (FGD), photo elicitation techniques, and semi-structured interviews conducted in the municipalities of Chake Chake and Mkoani, where socio-economic and environmental pressures disproportionately affect underrepresented communities. Findings show that co-created knowledge and shared decision-making within development cooperation not only reveal local vulnerabilities but also support more equitable urban planning. Participants highlighted critical challenges, including limited access to healthcare and water, inadequate waste management, climate-related risks, and unsafe public spaces. The integration of vulnerable narratives emerges as a strategic tool for enhancing urban resilience and shaping inclusive policy interventions. Methodological reflections emphasize the ethical imperatives of participatory research and its capacity to generate actionable insights for sustainable urban transformation in African coastal island settings.