Urban centres have existed and have been evolving for many centuries across the world. However, the accelerated growth of urbanisation is a relatively recent phenomenon. The enormous size of urban populations and more significantly, the rapidity with which urban areas have been and are growing in many developing countries have severe social, economic and physical repercussions. This paper argues that the accelerated growth of urbanisation has amplified the demand for key services. However, the provision of shelter and basic services such as water and sanitation, education, public health, employment and transport has not kept pace with this increasing demand. Furthermore, accelerated and poorly managed urbanisation has resulted in various types of atmospheric, land and water pollution thereby jeopardising human security. This paper offers the conclusion that the increased environmental, social and economic problems associated with rapid urbanisation pose a threat to sustainable development, human security and, crucially, peace. stability

This research analysed the contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust (BCSOT) to Bindura Rural District Council (BRDC) in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. Key informant interviews and the survey questionnaire were used for primary data collection while secondary sources such as the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act of 2007 and Statutory Instrument of 2010 which established the Community Share Ownership Trusts were analysed. The research found that 45 projects had been embarked on by the BCSOT. These projects included water, health, education and roads. It concludes that these projects had greatly contributed to rural development in Bindura Rural District Council. The respondents indicated that if CSOTs are to succeed, there should local community involvement in the identification of projects. The research recommended that the BCSOT should also establish small to medium enterprises and other income-generating projects in order to improve rural livelihoods.

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Africa is one of the most naturally endowed continents with immense renewable and non-renewable resources ranging from timber, fisheries, oil and rich mineral deposits which inter alia include diamonds, gold, platinum, nickel, lithium and chrome. The natural environment has sustained humanity since its creation and this role cannot be over emphasised. The attainment of global, regional and development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Agendas 2030 and 2063 all depend on the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. All these frameworks call for inclusive development and it therefore, becomes imperative for all humanity, regardless of gender, age, race etc. to be involved in any development initiative that impacts on their well-being. In Africa and beyond, the mining sector has become a key driver of socio-economic development. However, several challenges such as unequal opportunities due to systematic gender discrimination and gender blind regulatory frameworks have undermined the active and meaningful participation of women in this sector. Fundamental women’s rights, especially the right to development have largely been violated. The concept of the Right to Development underpins this research as it advocates for inclusive development. It boldly states that development is a human right which should be exercised by everyone and that it is the duty of the government to ensure that this right is not violated. Through the use of critical document and empirical case study analyses, the paper aims at revealing the extent to which women’s rights are being recognised and promoted in the extractives industry, particularly the artisanal gold mining sector. Consequently, the research thrives to proffer strategies which ensure that gender responsive mechanisms are put in place and women’s rights are promoted within the artisanal mining sector as this is critical for the attainment of the SDGs and the broad agendas for Africa’s socio-economic transformation.