Fencing Harare Of Complex Dynamics Surrounding the Peri-urbanisation Process in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Peri-urbanisation has become a global phenomenon that manifests more in the developing world. It is defined as a process where periurban areas found on the outskirts of cities become more urban, be it in economic, physical or social terms. In middle-income countries, peri-urbanisation has been often stimulated by foreign investment, industrial developments and government services, but in poor countries, it has been pushed by the outward expansion of residential areas with inadequate services. The article examines trends and transformations taking place in the peri-urban areas of Harare City. It establishes that the Harare peri-urban interface is undergoing tremendous environmental, social and economic transformations. There are great changes in land-use, land value, settlement density and population growth. Local authorities have developed a tendency of allowing both illegal and legal developments to take place near Harare‘s fringes. This has led to unregulated peri-urban land development near Harare‘s boundary as its neighbours are fencing in the capital city of Zimbabwe, causing urban structures to expand horizontally around the city‘s boundary. The emerging peri-urban development does not respect planning norms and principles that are very crucial in urban land development. These peri-urban developments have configured Harare‘s peri-urban landscape.