The proposed programme of work will involve the collection of new qualitative and quantitative data, as well as secondary analysis of existing quantitative and qualitative data. New data will be collected using the following six methods:

1. Participatory research framework development exercises undertaken with key stakeholders;
2. GIS-based UMT mapping and identification of ecosystem networks/corridors;
3. Participatory appraisal of wellbeing-ecosystem links with groups of poor urban people;
4. Interviews with key informants and case studies of relevant institutions;
5. Lab- and survey-based diagnosis of food contamination and soil and water pollution; and
6. Dialogues with members of local academic communities, policy-makers and civil society organisations and low income urban residents.

These will provide a novel source of information on services derived, and disservices resulting, from urban green and water structures in low-income settlements in Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Ethical approval will be sought for all new data collection through the Research Ethics Committees at Bangladesh, Manchester and Tanzania (see ethics section of the application). All interviews and participatory appraisals will be conducted and specimen collected by trained and experienced staff. Qualitative data will be transcribed verbatim after obtaining informed consent from respondents. Specimen collection will also involve informed consent from relevant households (for food samples) or from community leaders/landowners/Municipal Ward Councillor (for water and soil samples).Transcripts and data collected will be stored on secure University of Manchester servers, which are regularly backed up, for the duration of the project.

Exact copies of relevant data will also be stored on secure servers of Bangladesh and Tanzania partner institutions. The storage of samples collected will follow the data management protocols of the relevant labs: Bangladesh – ICDDR,B (food samples) and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET, water and soil samples); and Tanzania – Ardhi University (all types of samples). If the protocols permit, we shall keep the samples stored for the full duration of the project. Our intention to deposit data and samples collected will be made clear in the consent forms. Documentation of all collected data (verbatim and samples-based) will accompany appropriate metadata information, and they will also be lodged with archives in our study sites.