Revisiting Modernist Planning in Zambia: Challenges, Paradigm Shifts, and the Case for Inclusive Urbanism

Revisiting Modernist Planning in Zambia: Challenges, Paradigm Shifts, and the Case for Inclusive Urbanism

Chongo Kaulule, Clement Sichimwa, Muchimba Muvombo, Theresa Muzyamba, Sydney Chipili

Department of Geographical Sciences, Environment and Planning, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia

Publication Information

Journal Title: International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Author(s): Kaulule,Chongo; Sichimwa,Clement; Muvombo,Muchimba; Muzyamba,Theresa; Chipili, Sydney
Published On: 09/18/2025
Volume: 9
Issue: 6
First Page: 4750
Last Page: 4761
ISSN: 2454-6186

Cite this Article Kaulule,Chongo; Sichimwa,Clement; Muvombo,Muchimba; Muzyamba,Theresa; Chipili, Sydney; Revisiting Modernist Planning in Zambia: Challenges, Paradigm Shifts, and the Case for Inclusive Urbanism, Volume 9 Issue 6, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS),4750-4761, Published on 09/18/2025, Available at https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/revisiting-modernist-planning-in-zambia-challenges-paradigm-shifts-and-the-case-for-inclusive-urbanism/

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in cities like Lusaka, Zambia, has outpaced the capacity of governments to provide adequate housing, infrastructure, and essential services. This has been further exacerbated by environmental degradation, food insecurity, and increasing climate vulnerability. The dominant urban planning approaches, largely influenced by modernist theories from the Global North, have proven ill-suited to address these challenges, particularly in contexts characterized by informality and socio-economic inequality.
This study aimed to examine the limitations of modernist urban planning in Lusaka and to explore the need for alternative, locally grounded planning paradigms that better respond to the realities of Sub-Saharan African urbanization. The research involves a critical review of urban planning theory—focusing on rational, communicative, and critical paradigms—and an analysis of Lusaka’s planning practices. It evaluates how imported models have been implemented and their impacts on urban development and social equity. The study finds that the continued reliance on rigid, Northern-influenced modernist planning frameworks marginalizes informal settlements and excludes vulnerable populations from urban benefits. This has led to spatial and social inequalities and hindered the development of inclusive and sustainable urban environments. There is a pressing need for a structural rethinking of urban planning in Sub-Saharan Africa. Current models fail to account for the socio-spatial realities of cities like Lusaka and instead perpetuate exclusion and inefficiency. Urban planning in the Global South must shift toward context-sensitive, equity-focused approaches that center local knowledge, informal dynamics, and participatory governance. Such reorientation is essential to fostering just, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban futures in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Global South; Global North; Modernist; Normative Planning: Urban Justice; Participatory Planning