Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 4(6), pp. 289 - 293
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2016.040601
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Participatory Mapping Approaches Aided by GIS Technology towards Sustainable Land Use Planning in Namibia

Lisho C. Mundia ^*
Department of Geo-Spatial Sciences and Technology, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia

ABSTRACT

The empirical findings presented in this paper are for the participatory approaches in sustainable land use planning. The value of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), sketch and photo-mapping approaches aided by Geographical Information System (GIS) technology is emphasised. Various participants in Hardap region and experts associated with the Land Use Planning (LUP) development in that region provided their insightful knowledges, experiences and opinions on the value of participatory approaches aided by GIS technology in LUP. Combinations of research approaches were applied; these are literature review, the SWOT, sketch and photo mapping. Both positive and negative impacts of the approaches in evaluating the outcomes of the participatory mapping aided by GIS technology were gathered and the results were verified. The research established that the importance, the strengths and opportunities of participatory approaches in LUP are used in Namibia. There is however still a lack of knowledge on participatory methods to support land management programmes in Namibia. Key recommendations include awareness programme and intense studies on the potential value of participatory methods in LUP.

KEYWORDS
SWOT, Land Use Planning, GIS, Participatory Approaches, Sketch Mapping, Photo-mapping, Hardap Region, Namibia

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Lisho C. Mundia , "Participatory Mapping Approaches Aided by GIS Technology towards Sustainable Land Use Planning in Namibia," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 289 - 293, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2016.040601.

(b). APA Format:
Lisho C. Mundia (2016). Participatory Mapping Approaches Aided by GIS Technology towards Sustainable Land Use Planning in Namibia. Environment and Ecology Research, 4(6), 289 - 293. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2016.040601.