Name Jaison

Surname Muntanga

Student Number L0212856Z

Format Block

Program Honors Degree in Geography and Population Studies

Module Land-Use planning.

Lecturer Dr. B Mloshwa

Assignment 2 Evaluate the principles of land-use planning using case

studies (25)
Definition of the terms

Land use planning ---- Is the systematic assessment of land and water potential, alternatives for
land use, and economic and social conditions in order to select and adopt the best land use options.

Land evaluation ---- Is the process of predicting the potential use of land on the basis of its
attributes.

Land ---- The UN defines land as “a delineable area of the earth’s terrestrial surface,
encompassing all attributes of the biosphere immediately above or below this surface including
those of the near-surface climate, the soil and terrain forms, the surface hydrology (including
shallow lakes, rivers, marshes and swamps), the near-surface sedimentary layers and associated
groundwater reserve, the plant and animal populations, the human settlement pattern and physical
results of past and present human activities”.

Introduction
Land use planning, which includes a number of regulations and principles to guarantee sustainable
development, effective land use, conservation of nature, and infrastructure planning, is an essential
component of urban and rural development in Zimbabwe. Planning for infrastructure, zoning
regulations, environmental protection strategies, land suitability analyses, and flexibility in
response to changes in the environment are all important aspects of land use planning.

Sustainable land use planning requires both environmental protection and community
involvement. These ideas are essential to guaranteeing the sustainable development of the
environment, social justice, and natural resource management in Zimbabwe. We may assess how
environmental preservation and community involvement have been included into Zimbabwe's
land use planning procedures (Meyfroidt et al 2022). Jani (2022) argued that, Zimbabwe's
Communal Lands Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CLIPIR) and Communal
Area Management Programmes for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) are a remarkable
illustration of community involvement in land use planning. The purpose of this project is to
encourage environmental conservation and provide local communities with the tools they need to
manage their natural resources responsibly (McKinley et al 2017). Communities actively
participate in the allocation of resources, conservation measures, and land use through CLIPIR.
Participating with local stakeholders has allowed CLIPIR to effectively promote a sense of
responsibility for environmental conservation and increase community ownership of natural
resources.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations are another way that environmental
protection in land use planning is implemented in Zimbabwe. Developers must evaluate the
possible environmental effects of their projects prior to implementation in order to comply with
these requirements (Mutanda et al 2021). Through the inclusion of environmental experts and the
community in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, the government guarantees
that proposed developments comply with environmental regulations and minimize any negative
impact on ecosystems. Zimbabwe encourages sustainable development strategies that place an
emphasis on environmental preservation in addition to economic expansion through EIA
legislation (McKinley et al 2017).

Gamble et al (2023) in their case study of Moving rural districts councils, observed that zoning
laws are crucial to land use planning since they specify the uses that land can be put to within a
given region. Chapter 29:12 of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act governs zoning
restrictions in Zimbabwe. The country's planning and development control laws are outlined in
this act. The city of Harare serves as one case study by Matamanda, A.R. (2020) that highlights the
significance of zoning regulations in Zimbabwe. He observed that the regulations governing
zoning have been put in place by the city to control urban growth, discourage disorganized
construction, and guarantee effective land use. For example, zoning restrictions in Harare establish
specific districts for residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes. This has aided
in the development of planned urban areas that meet the various needs of the populace
(Matamanda, 2020).

Infrastructure planning, which entails the provision of facilities and services that are necessary to
promote development, is another important principle of land use planning. Various policies and
methods targeted at enhancing access to essential services including water, sanitation, energy,
transportation, and communication serve as the foundation for infrastructure planning in
Zimbabwe (Matamanda et al 2020). An important example of how infrastructure planning is
implemented in Zimbabwe is the Bulawayo road network extension. For the purpose of improving
connection and accessibility for citizens and businesses, the city has invested in infrastructure
projects. Bulawayo has been able to reduce traffic jams, increase mobility, and boost the local
economy by carefully designing its road networks and public transit systems (Chibvongodze,
2020)

For sustainable land use management, infrastructure planning and zoning rules must be
integrated. This integration is seen in Zimbabwe through initiatives such as the Chitungwiza Town
Development Plan. This project creates a well-planned urban environment that satisfies the
demands of its citizens by combining infrastructure development with zoning rules (Matamanda,
2019). The zoning regulations and infrastructure planning should work together to create balanced
development in Zimbabwe that supports social justice, economic expansion, and environmental
sustainability. When these two ideas are effectively coordinated, land use decisions are made with
an eye towards the big picture, considering both service delivery and spatial organization
(Matamanda, 2019).

To promote sustainable development, effective resource use, and environmental preservation in

Zimbabwe, land suitability analysis is essential to land use planning (Maganzo, and Mabgwe
2020). The most appropriate land uses that can be adopted are determined by analyzing the
physical, environmental, social, and economic aspects of a certain location. Planners are able to
maximize community benefits and minimize disputes related to land use by skillfully integrating
various land uses (Matamanda, 2019).

The growth of agriculture is a crucial component of land use planning in Zimbabwe because of its
importance to the national economy. Zimbabwe's agricultural land suitability analysis shows how
planners evaluate soil quality, topography, climate, water availability, and infrastructure access to
identify the best places to grow different kinds of crops or raise cattle ( Bilas et al 2022). Chisadza
et al conducted a research on the determination of groundwater potential zones using geographic
information systems and remote sensing in Lupane District, Zimbabwe. They argued that, through
the use of remote sensing data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, planners
may produce intricate maps that identify regions with great potential for agriculture and those that
are unsuitable because of factors like poor drainage or steep slopes (Chisadza et al 2020).

Rapid population expansion, informal settlements, poor infrastructure, and competing land uses
are issues that Zimbabwe's urban centers must deal with. Cities such as Harare have been striving
for sustainable urban growth through efficient land use planning and integration techniques
(Marondedze, and Sch&tt, 2019). For the purpose of creating comprehensive urban plans that
balance residential areas with commercial zones, industrial sites, recreational facilities, and
conservation areas, planners examine factors such as population density, transportation networks,
zoning regulations, the availability of green spaces, and the demand for affordable housing. Urban
planners strive to lower sprawl and encourage effective land use patterns that support social
progress and economic success by supporting mixed-use developments and compact city designs
(Marondedze, and Sch&tt, 2019).

Zimbabwe is renowned for its abundant natural resources and great biodiversity, which call for
conservation-based land use planning to preserve them. Hwange National Park is one example of
a national park that successfully combines tourism and wildlife conservation. To identify vital
habitats, migratory routes, water supplies, and buffer zones for wildlife preservation, planners
carry out thorough ecological studies. Conservation areas can prosper while providing income for
nearby populations through ecotourism by allocating particular zones for various activities like
research studies, anti-poaching campaigns, community-based conservation Programmes, and
safari trips (Guerbois et al 2013)

In land use planning, sustainability and adaptation are essential concepts, particularly when
considering developing nations like Zimbabwe. The goal of sustainable land use planning is to
guarantee that societal demands are satisfied without jeopardizing the ability of future generations
to satisfy their own. Conversely, adaptability describes a system's ability to change with time and
adapt to shifting circumstances (Chirisa et al, 2022). Because of things like urbanization, climate
change, economic expansion, and population growth, sustainable land use planning is crucial in
Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean Chivi Rural District is one noteworthy case study (Mugandani et al
2023). Sustainable land use planning techniques have been put into place by the Chivi Rural
District Council to address problems like deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity.

In order to enhance soil health and stop erosion, the council has supported sustainable agriculture
techniques like conservation farming and agroforestry (Mugandani et al 2023). Farmers in Chivi
have been able to strengthen their resistance to the effects of climate change by expanding their
crop diversification and integrating trees into their farming operations (World Bank, 2023).
Additionally, the council has given sustainable urban planning in places like Harare a lot of
attention (Chirisa et al, 2022). The city has experienced difficulties with trash management,
insufficient infrastructure, and informal settlements. Harare has been able to address these issues
by introducing garbage recycling Programmes, enhancing public transit, and encouraging varied
land uses through integrated land use planning techniques (Mugandani et al 2023).
.

In Zimbabwe, land use planning must take adaptability into account due to the ever-changing
natural and socioeconomic landscape. The Gonarezhou National Park serves as an illustration of
flexible land use planning (Chirisa et al, 2022). According to Chanyandura et al 2021, threats to
this park include habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. In order to tackle these obstacles,
park officials have implemented tactics for adaptive management, which include keeping an eye
on animal populations, repairing damaged habitats, and interacting with nearby communities.
Gonarezhou National Park has flexibility in adapting to changing conditions by regularly
evaluating the success of their efforts and modifying management techniques accordingly
(Chanyandura et al 2021).

According to World Bank, (2023) a key component of sustainable development is the planning of
infrastructure, environment preservation, zoning laws, land suitability analyses, adaptability, and
infrastructure planning. In Zimbabwe's case, though, a number of flaws prevent these ideas from
working as well. Zimbabwe's zoning laws are typically antiquated and ineffectively implemented.
This results in unplanned development and inconsistent patterns of land usage. Unplanned
settlement growth surrounding urban places such as Harare serves as a case study to highlight this
issue. These towns generally lack essential infrastructure and services, which makes living
circumstances for people poor. This is often the result of lax implementation of zoning restrictions
(Chanyandura et al 2021).

Magidi, and Hlungwani, ( 2023 ) argued that , to make sure that land is used effectively based on
its qualities and capabilities, land suitability analysis is crucial. The inadequacy of comprehensive
data and skills to carry out exhaustive land suitability studies is Zimbabwe's limitation.
Inappropriate land use decisions may arise from this, such as the practice of farming on
inappropriate land, which degrades the soil and lowers productivity. Chirisa et al (2022) are of
assertion that land use planning must include environmental protection, however Zimbabwe has
difficulties in adequately preserving its natural resources.

The effects of mining on the environment are a noteworthy case study, especially in areas like
Marange where diamond mining has resulted in deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity
loss (Chirisa et al, 2022). These problems are made worse by lax enforcement of environmental
standards. Planning infrastructure is critical to promoting sustainable development and
guaranteeing that people have access to necessities like transit, water, and sanitary facilities
(Magidi, and Hlungwani, 2023). In Zimbabwe, differences exist between rural and urban areas as
a result of poor infrastructure development. For instance, a lack of investment in infrastructure
development frequently results in rural villages lacking essential amenities like electricity and
roads (Chirisa et al, 2022).
Long-term sustainability depends on the land use planning principles' capacity to adjust to shifting
environmental and socioeconomic circumstances. The inflexible nature of Zimbabwe's current
land use plans and regulations is a vulnerability since it can leave the country ill-prepared to
handle new issues like population expansion and climate change (Chirisa et al, 2022). This lack of
flexibility may result in unsustainable development methods and ineffective resource allocation.

In conclusion, the principles of land use planning in Zimbabwe include infrastructure planning,
environment preservation, zoning laws, and adaptability. Planners may encourage sustainable
development, save the environment, improve infrastructure, and build resilient communities for
the present and future generations by following these guidelines.

References

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