The Efficacy of collaboration among government institutions in land use planning for wetland conservation in Bindura, Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe

Author

Karindakanga, T. E.

Title

The Efficacy of collaboration among government institutions in land use planning for wetland conservation in Bindura, Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe has several government institutions addressing different aspects of wetland conservation. However, the effectiveness of environmental planning and management of these wetlands is greatly undermined by insufficient collaboration among these government institutions involved in land use planning for wetland conservation, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the urban councils. Although, the issue is acknowledged in Zimbabwe, there is a notable lack of research focused on collaboration efforts to address wetland degradation. This study seeks to examine the level of collaboration among these government agencies in the context of land use planning for wetlands while also identifying challenges and potential areas for improvement. Using the case study of Bindura urban, Zimbabwe, purposive sampling was applied to target relevant government institutions involved in land use planning for wetland conservation, including Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Bindura Municipality, Department of Physical Planning, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development , Land Management and Administration Department under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Department of Agricultural, Technical and Extension Service (AGRITEX), Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), Forest Commission, Upper Ruya Sub- catchment council and Middle Mazowe Sub- catchment council. The data was primarily collected through questionnaires. Findings indicate a moderate and inconsistent collaboration among these government institutions, primarily affected by political interference and resource limitations. Nevertheless, opportunities exist to enhance collaboration by establishing formal frameworks and improving communication strategies. By addressing these challenges, through critical strategies that encompass both socio- economic and environmental aspects of land use planning for wetlands, we can maximize existing opportunities. This approach will enable the government institutions to shift towards a more effective wetland conservation and sustainable land use planning.

Date

OCTOBER 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Land Use Planning

Wetland Conservation

Sustainable

Collaboration

Government institutions

Supervisor

Dr. N.M. Zhou