Developing Land Information Management System for Informal settlements, Epworth, Zimbabwe

Context and background: Land Information Management Systems (LIMS) are essential computer-based tools for managing land parcel data and ensuring effective land administration. However, implementation efforts in Zimbabwe remain limited and fragmented. This deficiency is particularly critical in Epworth, a peri-urban area near Harare, where a weak land administration framework has resulted in unplanned developments, land disputes, and insecure tenure within informal settlements. This research aimed to leverage GIS and modern web technologies to enhance land administration, support urban planning, and promote sustainable development. Goal and objectives: The primary objective was to create a centralized platform for managing spatial and non-spatial land data to facilitate informed decision-making for Epworth’s development. The a Design Science Research approach and Agile methodology were used, combining qualitative stakeholder interviews and questionnaires with quantitative spatial data collection. Parcel boundaries, road networks, and land use classifications were captured using KoboCollect and satellite imagery, then processed within a GIS environment. The resulting LIMS architecture utilizes a three-tier client-server model to enhance data security and scalability. Development was guided by a PostGIS geodatabase and several conceptual frameworks, including Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) and the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM). Results: Results indicated that the fragmented nature of the existing system was the primary driver of tenure insecurity. The developed LIMS successfully consolidated land rights onto a transparent, updatable platform, allowing for efficient land searches and verifiable records. This system empowers communities through participatory mapping and enhances governance by providing a secure land ownership database. The study concludes that the LIMS effectively improves transparency and accessibility. It recommends full-scale deployment and integration with local authority systems to ensure real-time data flow, thereby fostering sustainable urban growth and aligning with Zimbabwe’s national development agendas.