Seeking Urban Transformation

Seeking Urban Transformation: Alternative Urban Futures in Zimbabwe is a book that delves into the stories of ordinary people's efforts to reshape urban centres in Zimbabwe. The book focuses on the urban transformation process and examines its key drivers, namely social movements and planning institutions. Social activities play a significant role in the urban transformation process. They pool resources, skills, and efforts to acquire land, develop infrastructure, and construct housing for the urban poor. These grassroots movements are instrumental in bringing about change in urban development and challenging traditional approaches.

On the other hand, planning institutions also have a critical role in urban transformation. They adapt their policies, regulations, and practises to support and embrace the new forms of urban development advocated by the social movements. This often involves adopting more grassroots-centred, community-driven approaches to urban planning.

The book specifically focuses on three urban centres in Zimbabwe: Harare, Chitungwiza, and Epworth. In Harare, it examines the provision of new housing and infrastructure to the urban poor, emphasising the essential roles played by these marginalised communities in shaping urban development. It also explores how planning institutions respond to and accommodate the demands of grassroots movements in the development process. 

Abstract based directly on source.