Rural Master Planning In Zimbabwe: A New Paradigm For Change Or A New Window For Putting Pressure On The Rural Poor?

Abstract

This study critically examines the implications of rural master planning in Zimbabwe, questioning whether it represents a new paradigm for positive change or merely exacerbates existing challenges and structural inequalities faced by the rural poor. The key argument of the study is that while rural master planning initiatives are often touted as instruments for rural development and progress, they can inadvertently marginalise and dispossess vulnerable rural populations. The aim of the study is to critically analyse the impact of rural master planning on the socio-economic dynamics of rural communities in Zimbabwe. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the question of whether rural master planning initiatives genuinely address the needs and aspirations of the rural poor or merely serve as mechanisms for exerting control and exploitation. The methodology employed in this study includes data collection through extensive literature review and analysis of policy documents related to rural planning in Zimbabwe. Additionally, qualitative textual analysis of relevant documents and reports was conducted to reveal underlying narratives and power dynamics. The study concludes that rural master planning in Zimbabwe often prioritises elite interests and fails to adequately consider the socio-economic realities of rural communities, leading to displacement, dispossession and exacerbated inequality. As such, the study recommends that rural planning initiatives should prioritise participatory approaches, community empowerment and equitable resource allocation to ensure genuine development and inclusivity in rural areas.