Urban sustainability planning and urban outcomes in a rapidly growing city in Mogadishu, Somalia

Rapid urbanization in fragile and post-conflict cities creates complex challenges related to environmental degradation, informal settlement expansion, infrastructure limitations, weak governance systems, and unequal access to urban services. This study examined the relationships between Environmental Sustainability Planning, Social Sustainability Planning, Institutional and Governance Capacity, and Urban Outcomes in Mogadishu, Somalia. The study targeted a population of 933 individuals, including residents, NGO representatives, and CSO representatives engaged in urban development, governance, community development, and service delivery. A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational research design was adopted, and data were collected from 280 respondents using structured questionnaires. The measurement assessment demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity, with all constructs achieving acceptable internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII), Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that Environmental Sustainability Planning, Social Sustainability Planning, and Institutional and Governance Capacity were positively and significantly associated with Urban Outcomes. Environmental Sustainability Planning demonstrated the strongest association with Urban Outcomes, followed by Social Sustainability Planning and Institutional and Governance Capacity. The study concludes that sustainable urban development in Mogadishu requires integrated approaches combining environmental management, inclusive planning, effective governance, and coordinated institutional action. The findings contribute empirical evidence from a rapidly urbanizing and institutionally fragile post-conflict city context.