Innocent Chirisa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Innocent Chirisa

Research paper thumbnail of Urban Development and the Financing of Low-Income Housing in Zimbabwe, Post-2000

The urban book series, Dec 31, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Grand Challenges in Urban Agriculture: Ecological and Social Approaches to Transformative Sustainability

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2021

KSZ acknowledges intellectual interactions with several colleagues in the general background and ... more KSZ acknowledges intellectual interactions with several colleagues in the general background and specific preparation of this article. These include Christophe Soulard,

Research paper thumbnail of Urban Resilience Under Austerity: A Case Study of Street Children Vending in the Harare Central Business District, Post-2018

Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Communicating with the Citizens on Pertinent Urban Planning Issues in Zimbabwe: Problem and Prospects for Building Resilience

Research paper thumbnail of The Urban Planning-Real Estate Development Nexus

Research paper thumbnail of Future of Urban Land-use Planning in the Quest for Local Economic Development

Research paper thumbnail of Future of Urban Land-use Planning in the Quest for Local Economic Development

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Distributive Politics

Participation of Young People in Governance Processes in Africa

This chapter seeks to demonstrate how urban land has often been used by Zimbabwean politicians to... more This chapter seeks to demonstrate how urban land has often been used by Zimbabwean politicians to trap the youth. In light of this, the chapter argues that the interplay of the factors of production (land, labor, capital, and enterprise) crystallizes into a matrix of persuasions, contradictions and thought that explain multiple rationalities behind the development and distributive politics. It engages document review and a case study approach in which various policies and programs and project initiatives have been started by the government since 1980, including the building brigades and cooperative housing production in the early 1980s, the institution of the national youth ministry and policy and the administration of the kurera/ukondla youth fund. The chapter suggests that the distributive arrangements for resources be based on innovativeness, acumen and skill by the youth, based on merit and credibility.

Research paper thumbnail of Informal Sector Operations and the Environment

Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development

Using case studies from Cairo, Harare, Kigali, and Addis Ababa, this study seeks to disentangle t... more Using case studies from Cairo, Harare, Kigali, and Addis Ababa, this study seeks to disentangle the relationship that exists between the informal sector and the urban environments in Africa. It argues that there are two sides to the coin of the informal sector: the informal sector as a major contributor to urban environmental pollution (land, water, air, and sound), and the sector works as a “cleanser” given its ability to re-use the materials that the formal sector has disgorged. The study defines the inputs, processes, throughputs, and outputs in the sector in keeping with the debates of informal sector contributor to poor environmental management and the informal sector cleanser of the potentially polluted environment. In light of these debates, the authors see the extant imperative of balancing between the two debates in order to inform the urban environmental policy. Overall, with improved technology or appropriate technology coupled with rigorous environmental stewardship camp...

Research paper thumbnail of Socio-ecological Dynamics Within Rural Settlements: Evidence from Mbire District in Zimbabwe

Journal of Land and Rural Studies

Humans are a part, of and not separate from, nature, and as such policies that enhance the co-rel... more Humans are a part, of and not separate from, nature, and as such policies that enhance the co-relationship of humans and nature while adaptive are a necessity now than before. This article investigates the socio-ecological dynamics within rural settlements in Mbire, Zimbabwe. It provides reasons for people’s migration to Mbire from some parts of Zimbabwe. It brings out the increase in school dropouts in Mbire and how teachers are understaffed. The study unravels the issues concerning black magic that was practised then, the school dropouts in Mbire, the history of people moving in search of salt, their communication with spirit mediums and cotton farming. Interviews and desktop research were used, with content analysis for data analysis and collection. The remedy for meeting challenges arising from socio-ecological changes is facilitating adaptive measures that meet the emerging needs of communities without compromising nature’s rights.

Research paper thumbnail of Climate Change Adaptation in Southern Africa: Universalistic Science or Indigenous Knowledge or Hybrid

African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021

The aims of this chapter are to seek answer, through a document review, case studies, and themati... more The aims of this chapter are to seek answer, through a document review, case studies, and thematic content analysis, to which direction Southern Africa should take in the face of climate change and to suggest a framework for adaptations by communities experiencing climatic events. Acknowledging that the fundamental set of ideas provided by indigenous knowledge (IK) works best at a small scale, the chapter argues for the need to seriously value IK-based response practices in the knowledge hybridization agenda. The worsening vulnerability potentiated by the increasing magnitude and severity of climate change impacts is a reminder that local-based indigenous response practices in Africa need to be complemented. Adaptation to climate change calls for real and surreal measures all being applied in combination. Across Africa, these measures have, at times, included the preservation of forest resources which increased carbon sinking and enhanced community resilience against climate change....

Research paper thumbnail of The Sustainability Ethic in the Management of the Physical, Infrastructural and Natural Resources of Zimbabwe

Humanity has extensively exploited natural and physical resources, since the Industrial Revolutio... more Humanity has extensively exploited natural and physical resources, since the Industrial Revolution in Europe. A geological era, now called the Anthropocene, has been coined in environmental and developmental circles, to mark the increased domination of humanity on Earth and its resources. Today, the ecological footprint on the fragile planet continues to increase. Mass industrialisation, like what China is doing and pushing for, is one of the drivers for increased urbanisation that results in increased demand for land. It is also the stimulus behind increased deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. As the fragility of the Earth increases, global bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are pushing to reduce the Earths temperature. Human efforts to manage the problem cascade from a global to a regional, to a national, as well as to much localised scales. Missing though are nuanced contributions at national and community levels, which this book is an attempt to bridge. The nagging sense of responsibility is what this book explores under the label of sustainability ethic. As a case study, the book examines the use of sustainability ethic in the management of the physical, infrastructural and natural resources of Zimbabwe. This ethic is built on pillars that include participation of people (households) in their pursuit for sustainable livelihoods, appropriate technology, tools and techniques for environmental protection. It also hinges on stewardship and structures, institutions, policies and processes of governance and sustainability. There are also the aspects of ethics, laws and indigenous technical knowledge for sustainability, capacity building and education plans and programmes for sustainability and population and demographic determinants, processes and outcomes for sustainability. The book is a timely contribution to an urgent global concern and climate change debate

Research paper thumbnail of Social Innovations as a Response to Municipal Failures in Africa

Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Analysis of Africa and Chinese Crowdfunding Markets

Crowdfunding and Sustainable Urban Development in Emerging Economies, 2018

This chapter compares the African and Chinese crowdfunding markets with a view to draw lessons fr... more This chapter compares the African and Chinese crowdfunding markets with a view to draw lessons from the two markets. China has a longer experience than Africa in the crowdfunding activities; crowdfunding processes in the country may not be directly applicable to the African states, but there are lessons that can be learnt by individual or group of African or Asian governments. These differing experiences identified can serve as a practical guide for urban development actors longing for sustainable funding for important urban development projects. In order to gather this data, the authors conducted a desktop review of literature, both grey and published being work on crowdfunding in Africa and China. Data collected were analysed using thematic content analysis. The chapter argues that the low adoption of crowdfunding by Africa can be attributed to a number of factors, including national regulatory environments that are not conducive for crowdfunding of equity and debt, and unconduciv...

Research paper thumbnail of Industrial and Urban Growth Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa Compared

Industrial and Urban Growth Policies at the Sub-National, National, and Global Levels, 2019

The purpose of this chapter is to compare industrial and urban growth policies in Sub-Saharan Afr... more The purpose of this chapter is to compare industrial and urban growth policies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and North Africa (NA) with the aim to draw lessons and inform policy and research in the subject. The chapter advances the argument that industrial and urban growth ought to be directly related. This follows the development trajectory and urbanization trend in the Global South which was birthed and sustained by the Industrial Revolution. The case study approach has been used to develop this chapter where Africa is first divided into two broad territories, SSA and NA. Subsequently, cases are selected from Lusophone, Anglophone, and Francophone countries. The analysis considers in detail Zimbabwe, South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Algeria, and Egypt.

Research paper thumbnail of Desired and Achieved Urbanisation in Africa

Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development, 2018

The chapter aims to make a nuanced contribution in plugging out the mentioned gaps using human (s... more The chapter aims to make a nuanced contribution in plugging out the mentioned gaps using human (skilled, managerial, etc.) and material (digital technology, financial, etc.) resources available or developable locally with or without global aid support system. The study is a case study based and uses examples of Cape Town, Abuja, Harare, Nairobi, Cairo and Kinshasa, these being examples of cities where plans and visions have been or are being put in place to ensure that urbanisation is a process that emerges on strategically laid out platform. Nevertheless, achieving that is a continuous struggle because diverging forces are also at play in these cities. The chapter recommends capacity building and professionalization of the conduct of business by these authorities to ensure sustainable urbanisation. It also argues for a planning thought that makes the optimal mix of both local and international resources towards achieving sustainable urbanisation in the various cities of Africa.

Research paper thumbnail of Urbanization, Planning Law, and the Future of Developing World Cities

The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Cities as Forces for Good in the Environment: A Systems Approach

In the original version of the book, the following corrections have to be incorporated in Chapter... more In the original version of the book, the following corrections have to be incorporated in Chapter 2: Corresponding author name "Bruce M. Beck" has to be changed to read as "M. Bruce Beck". The inadvertently deleted term "Kinshasa" in the abstract has to be included again. Chapter author name "Tegas Rewal" has to be changed to read as "Tejas Rewal". The erratum chapter and the book have been updated with the changes.

Research paper thumbnail of Civil society advocacy and environmental migration in Zimbabwe: a case study in public policy

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to the Urban Geography Scape of Zimbabwe

Research paper thumbnail of Urban Development and the Financing of Low-Income Housing in Zimbabwe, Post-2000

The urban book series, Dec 31, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Grand Challenges in Urban Agriculture: Ecological and Social Approaches to Transformative Sustainability

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2021

KSZ acknowledges intellectual interactions with several colleagues in the general background and ... more KSZ acknowledges intellectual interactions with several colleagues in the general background and specific preparation of this article. These include Christophe Soulard,

Research paper thumbnail of Urban Resilience Under Austerity: A Case Study of Street Children Vending in the Harare Central Business District, Post-2018

Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Communicating with the Citizens on Pertinent Urban Planning Issues in Zimbabwe: Problem and Prospects for Building Resilience

Research paper thumbnail of The Urban Planning-Real Estate Development Nexus

Research paper thumbnail of Future of Urban Land-use Planning in the Quest for Local Economic Development

Research paper thumbnail of Future of Urban Land-use Planning in the Quest for Local Economic Development

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Distributive Politics

Participation of Young People in Governance Processes in Africa

This chapter seeks to demonstrate how urban land has often been used by Zimbabwean politicians to... more This chapter seeks to demonstrate how urban land has often been used by Zimbabwean politicians to trap the youth. In light of this, the chapter argues that the interplay of the factors of production (land, labor, capital, and enterprise) crystallizes into a matrix of persuasions, contradictions and thought that explain multiple rationalities behind the development and distributive politics. It engages document review and a case study approach in which various policies and programs and project initiatives have been started by the government since 1980, including the building brigades and cooperative housing production in the early 1980s, the institution of the national youth ministry and policy and the administration of the kurera/ukondla youth fund. The chapter suggests that the distributive arrangements for resources be based on innovativeness, acumen and skill by the youth, based on merit and credibility.

Research paper thumbnail of Informal Sector Operations and the Environment

Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development

Using case studies from Cairo, Harare, Kigali, and Addis Ababa, this study seeks to disentangle t... more Using case studies from Cairo, Harare, Kigali, and Addis Ababa, this study seeks to disentangle the relationship that exists between the informal sector and the urban environments in Africa. It argues that there are two sides to the coin of the informal sector: the informal sector as a major contributor to urban environmental pollution (land, water, air, and sound), and the sector works as a “cleanser” given its ability to re-use the materials that the formal sector has disgorged. The study defines the inputs, processes, throughputs, and outputs in the sector in keeping with the debates of informal sector contributor to poor environmental management and the informal sector cleanser of the potentially polluted environment. In light of these debates, the authors see the extant imperative of balancing between the two debates in order to inform the urban environmental policy. Overall, with improved technology or appropriate technology coupled with rigorous environmental stewardship camp...

Research paper thumbnail of Socio-ecological Dynamics Within Rural Settlements: Evidence from Mbire District in Zimbabwe

Journal of Land and Rural Studies

Humans are a part, of and not separate from, nature, and as such policies that enhance the co-rel... more Humans are a part, of and not separate from, nature, and as such policies that enhance the co-relationship of humans and nature while adaptive are a necessity now than before. This article investigates the socio-ecological dynamics within rural settlements in Mbire, Zimbabwe. It provides reasons for people’s migration to Mbire from some parts of Zimbabwe. It brings out the increase in school dropouts in Mbire and how teachers are understaffed. The study unravels the issues concerning black magic that was practised then, the school dropouts in Mbire, the history of people moving in search of salt, their communication with spirit mediums and cotton farming. Interviews and desktop research were used, with content analysis for data analysis and collection. The remedy for meeting challenges arising from socio-ecological changes is facilitating adaptive measures that meet the emerging needs of communities without compromising nature’s rights.

Research paper thumbnail of Climate Change Adaptation in Southern Africa: Universalistic Science or Indigenous Knowledge or Hybrid

African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021

The aims of this chapter are to seek answer, through a document review, case studies, and themati... more The aims of this chapter are to seek answer, through a document review, case studies, and thematic content analysis, to which direction Southern Africa should take in the face of climate change and to suggest a framework for adaptations by communities experiencing climatic events. Acknowledging that the fundamental set of ideas provided by indigenous knowledge (IK) works best at a small scale, the chapter argues for the need to seriously value IK-based response practices in the knowledge hybridization agenda. The worsening vulnerability potentiated by the increasing magnitude and severity of climate change impacts is a reminder that local-based indigenous response practices in Africa need to be complemented. Adaptation to climate change calls for real and surreal measures all being applied in combination. Across Africa, these measures have, at times, included the preservation of forest resources which increased carbon sinking and enhanced community resilience against climate change....

Research paper thumbnail of The Sustainability Ethic in the Management of the Physical, Infrastructural and Natural Resources of Zimbabwe

Humanity has extensively exploited natural and physical resources, since the Industrial Revolutio... more Humanity has extensively exploited natural and physical resources, since the Industrial Revolution in Europe. A geological era, now called the Anthropocene, has been coined in environmental and developmental circles, to mark the increased domination of humanity on Earth and its resources. Today, the ecological footprint on the fragile planet continues to increase. Mass industrialisation, like what China is doing and pushing for, is one of the drivers for increased urbanisation that results in increased demand for land. It is also the stimulus behind increased deforestation, overfishing, and pollution. As the fragility of the Earth increases, global bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are pushing to reduce the Earths temperature. Human efforts to manage the problem cascade from a global to a regional, to a national, as well as to much localised scales. Missing though are nuanced contributions at national and community levels, which this book is an attempt to bridge. The nagging sense of responsibility is what this book explores under the label of sustainability ethic. As a case study, the book examines the use of sustainability ethic in the management of the physical, infrastructural and natural resources of Zimbabwe. This ethic is built on pillars that include participation of people (households) in their pursuit for sustainable livelihoods, appropriate technology, tools and techniques for environmental protection. It also hinges on stewardship and structures, institutions, policies and processes of governance and sustainability. There are also the aspects of ethics, laws and indigenous technical knowledge for sustainability, capacity building and education plans and programmes for sustainability and population and demographic determinants, processes and outcomes for sustainability. The book is a timely contribution to an urgent global concern and climate change debate

Research paper thumbnail of Social Innovations as a Response to Municipal Failures in Africa

Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Analysis of Africa and Chinese Crowdfunding Markets

Crowdfunding and Sustainable Urban Development in Emerging Economies, 2018

This chapter compares the African and Chinese crowdfunding markets with a view to draw lessons fr... more This chapter compares the African and Chinese crowdfunding markets with a view to draw lessons from the two markets. China has a longer experience than Africa in the crowdfunding activities; crowdfunding processes in the country may not be directly applicable to the African states, but there are lessons that can be learnt by individual or group of African or Asian governments. These differing experiences identified can serve as a practical guide for urban development actors longing for sustainable funding for important urban development projects. In order to gather this data, the authors conducted a desktop review of literature, both grey and published being work on crowdfunding in Africa and China. Data collected were analysed using thematic content analysis. The chapter argues that the low adoption of crowdfunding by Africa can be attributed to a number of factors, including national regulatory environments that are not conducive for crowdfunding of equity and debt, and unconduciv...

Research paper thumbnail of Industrial and Urban Growth Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa Compared

Industrial and Urban Growth Policies at the Sub-National, National, and Global Levels, 2019

The purpose of this chapter is to compare industrial and urban growth policies in Sub-Saharan Afr... more The purpose of this chapter is to compare industrial and urban growth policies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and North Africa (NA) with the aim to draw lessons and inform policy and research in the subject. The chapter advances the argument that industrial and urban growth ought to be directly related. This follows the development trajectory and urbanization trend in the Global South which was birthed and sustained by the Industrial Revolution. The case study approach has been used to develop this chapter where Africa is first divided into two broad territories, SSA and NA. Subsequently, cases are selected from Lusophone, Anglophone, and Francophone countries. The analysis considers in detail Zimbabwe, South Africa, Guinea-Bissau, Algeria, and Egypt.

Research paper thumbnail of Desired and Achieved Urbanisation in Africa

Advances in Electronic Government, Digital Divide, and Regional Development, 2018

The chapter aims to make a nuanced contribution in plugging out the mentioned gaps using human (s... more The chapter aims to make a nuanced contribution in plugging out the mentioned gaps using human (skilled, managerial, etc.) and material (digital technology, financial, etc.) resources available or developable locally with or without global aid support system. The study is a case study based and uses examples of Cape Town, Abuja, Harare, Nairobi, Cairo and Kinshasa, these being examples of cities where plans and visions have been or are being put in place to ensure that urbanisation is a process that emerges on strategically laid out platform. Nevertheless, achieving that is a continuous struggle because diverging forces are also at play in these cities. The chapter recommends capacity building and professionalization of the conduct of business by these authorities to ensure sustainable urbanisation. It also argues for a planning thought that makes the optimal mix of both local and international resources towards achieving sustainable urbanisation in the various cities of Africa.

Research paper thumbnail of Urbanization, Planning Law, and the Future of Developing World Cities

The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Cities as Forces for Good in the Environment: A Systems Approach

In the original version of the book, the following corrections have to be incorporated in Chapter... more In the original version of the book, the following corrections have to be incorporated in Chapter 2: Corresponding author name "Bruce M. Beck" has to be changed to read as "M. Bruce Beck". The inadvertently deleted term "Kinshasa" in the abstract has to be included again. Chapter author name "Tegas Rewal" has to be changed to read as "Tejas Rewal". The erratum chapter and the book have been updated with the changes.

Research paper thumbnail of Civil society advocacy and environmental migration in Zimbabwe: a case study in public policy

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to the Urban Geography Scape of Zimbabwe