The Urban Planning Dilemma in Harare, Zimbabwe

Isaac Chaipa, The Women and Land Lobby Group

In: UA Magazine 4 - Integration of UPA in urban planning

The growth and geographical spread of urban agriculture in Zimbabwe is largely attributed to the harsh effects of economic structural adjustment programmes (ESAP). The land under cultivation has also increased under the economic hardships of the last years. The responsiveness and actions of urban local authorities in addressing the pressing needs of the urban community has become of utmost significance. The mandate of the Women and Land Lobby Group is to advocate and lobby for gender-sensitive land policies and promote women's economic empowerment through the equitable access to and control of land. The organisation is concerned with ensuring that policies affecting women's access to land are effectively translated into practice and implementation.