Staff research papers http://10.0.100.40:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1280 2026-06-07T19:41:39Z 2026-06-07T19:41:39Z MLAMBO, NYEMUDZAI http://10.0.100.40:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2632 2024-06-07T13:42:56Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Urban Governance for Sustainable Housing Development in Gweru City, Zimbabwe MLAMBO, NYEMUDZAI Urbanisation is an unstoppable global phenomenon and it brings with it the challenge of providing sustainable housing for an everincreasing population. Cities in Zimbabwe, such as Gweru, face enormous challenges and opportunities when it comes to achieving sustainable housing development. This study aimed to investigate the role of urban governance in shaping the urban landscape and the challenges of urban governance in providing sustainable housing development. This study is important in thaturban governance is critical to the development of sustainable housing in cities. The article examines the implementation of urban governance strategies to address the housing needs of Gweru residents. The article utilised a comprehensive Urban Planning Sustainability Framework. It utilised a mixed method approach case study of the City of Gweru in Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. The findings were as follows, importance of sustainable housing development in promoting social equity, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The study recommends that the city should collaborate with non-governmental and international organisations to gain access to funding and technical expertise for housing development initiatives. The purpose of the Kuveza neKuumba - Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design, Innovative Thinking and Practice is to provide a forum for design and innovative solutions to daily challenges in communities.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z CHAGWEDERA, EDSON MASONA, COURAGE SAKAROMBE, UPENYU http://10.0.100.40:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2631 2024-06-07T13:39:22Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Rural Electrification - Is the Panacea Working Across Africa? CHAGWEDERA, EDSON; MASONA, COURAGE; SAKAROMBE, UPENYU Rural electrification in Africa holds significant potential as a development tool, offering opportunities for economic growth, improved education and healthcare and enhanced quality of life. However, achieving universal access to electricity in rural areas is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of rural electrification efforts in Africa, focusing on specific case studies to provide a nuanced understanding of the successes and limitations of current approaches. The methodology employed in this research involves a review of existing literature, academic sources and policy documents, supplemented by data sets and case studies from selected African countries. By examining the progress and challenges faced in countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, a holistic view of rural electrification in Africa emerges. The key findings of this study highlight the importance of political commitment, renewable energy sources and community engagement in successful rural electrification initiatives. The purpose of the Kuveza neKuumba - Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design, Innovative Thinking and Practice is to provide a forum for design and innovative solutions to daily challenges in communities.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z MHIZHA, SAMSON http://10.0.100.40:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2630 2024-06-07T13:33:41Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

From Imagination to Reality on Child Spaces for Recreation: Insights and Foresights on Zimbabwe MHIZHA, SAMSON Much research on the importance of physical and recreational activities and play among children exists globally, though little has been done in Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular. More importantly, there is limited research evidence and policy dialogues on the importance of planning for child spaces for recreation and play in Zimbabwe. The main objective of the current study is to explore challenges and policy implications for recreational and play spaces in urban Zimbabwe. The study employs a literature review approach and reviews relevant studies from 1980 to 2023. The main challenges discussed include rapid urbanisation without development, little research, ambivalent policy and legal framework, corruption, politics of urban planning, invasions of play and recreational spaces, the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and lack of scientific knowledge on the importance of physical activities. There is a dearth of public policies on the promotion of children’s play and recreational opportunities, with the situation in communities compounded by a weak public capacity to plan, implement and enforce the promotion of recreational and play facilities. The purpose of the Kuveza neKuumba - Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design, Innovative Thinking and Practice is to provide a forum for design and innovative solutions to daily challenges in communities.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z CHAGWEDERA, EDSON MANHIMANZI, GIFT http://10.0.100.40:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2629 2024-06-07T13:28:12Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Agropolitan-based Area Development: Linking Rural Production Spaces to Urban Regional Markets CHAGWEDERA, EDSON; MANHIMANZI, GIFT To integrate rural production areas with urban regional markets, this study investigates the idea of agropolitan-based area development. This approach's possible advantages, difficulties and consequences for sustainable development are all examined. The study identifies important ideas and arguments around agropolitan development through a thorough examination of literature and case study analysis. The case studies of agropolitan-based area development in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya and Brazil are employed and provide valuable insights into the practical implementation and outcomes of this concept. These case studies on agropolitan development highlight the diverse approaches, challenges and impacts of this concept in different contexts. These examples demonstrate the potential of agropolitan-based area development in enhancing rural-urban linkages, promoting economic growth and addressing social and environmental challenges. The results underline the necessity of integrated policies and approaches that close the gap between rural and urban areas, promote economic development and consider social and environmental issues. The purpose of the Kuveza neKuumba - Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design, Innovative Thinking and Practice is to provide a forum for design and innovative solutions to daily challenges in communities.

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