Law for Professionalising the Spatial Planning Field in Zimbabwe

The spatial planning field in Zimbabwe plays a crucial role in managing urbanisation, land development, and resource allocation, contributing to sustainable development and the well-being of communities. However, the absence of a specific legal framework professionalising spatial planning has led to inconsistencies in practice, ethical concerns, and a lack of accountability among practitioners, thereby undermining the integrity and effectiveness of the profession. The main objective of this qualitative study was to explore the need for a law to professionalise the spatial planning field in Zimbabwe, examining the current challenges, potential benefits, and key components of such legislation. Data was generated through in-depth interviews with planners and a qualitative desk review of existing planning laws, policies, and professional standards; for data analysis, the study used textual analysis to identify recurring themes, patterns, and gaps in the existing framework. The analysis revealed that the current regulatory framework is inadequate to address the complexities of spatial planning, lack of professional standards compromises the quality and consistency of planning decisions, and absence of legal recognition for planners hinders their ability to advocate for sustainable and equitable development. The findings suggest that enacting a law to professionalise spatial planning in Zimbabwe is essential for enhancing the credibility, accountability, and effectiveness of the profession, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive urban and rural development outcomes.