The design of the UDEM framework is based on an extensive analysis of the background status of urbanization and urban development and environmental management in Tanzania in the framework of existing initiatives for fiscal decentralization, LGA capacities and practices, initiatives for strengthening local authorities, and experiences from past and ongoing projects for development funding at LGA level both nationally and internationally.

The information analyzed came out of bilateral and multilateral stakeholder consultations as well as review of documents and literature available nationally. Several short-term consultancies were also used to enrich the context of the available information.