The Luano District Integrated Development Plan was formulated with the view of bringing the District concerted efforts together from community participation and stakeholders’ engagements in order to meet the aspirations of the people of Luano meeting their demands on developmental issues. Luano District has adopted the following Developmental Goals to be implemneted by 2033 which include (i) improving social, transport and communication infrastructure; (ii) improving socio-economic services; (iii) enhancing sustainable management of natural resources; (iv) promoting coordinated spatial development through integrated land use. Three development scenarios were derived from the developmental goals: (i) establishing key growth poles, focused on managing the continuation of existing development patterns, with growth driven largely by traditional land allocation, private-sector development and government-supported infrastructure, while gradually improving agriculture through mechanization; however, limited investment and uncoordinated mining and tourism development may constrain the district’s growth potential; (ii) enhancing economic and social infrastructure within growth areas, focused on strengthening selected growth areas through improved transport, communication, energy, health, education and other social infrastructure to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity, support agricultural and mining value addition, promote industrialization, and improve access to services; (iii) strengthening environmental protection, conservation, and preservation, prioritizing the protection and sustainable management of the district’s natural and heritage resources, particularly the Game Management Area, forests, wetlands and mineral areas, through stronger development controls, environmental restoration, sustainable forestry, conservation, and value addition of non-wood forest products. The assessment of these scenarios identified a combination of Scenarios ii and iii, focused on improved social and economic infrastructure within growth areas and enhanced environmental conservation and protection, as having the greatest potential to achieve the district’s vision of an innovative and sustainable district for all by 2033. The IDP takes into consideration the development of various sectors, particularly: (i) Economic Sector, which seeks to promote economic growth through agricultural modernization, increased production in crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry, adoption of climate-smart technologies, mechanization, irrigation, improved extension services, and strengthened agricultural infrastructure. Industrialization will also be promoted through mineral exploration, beneficiation and value addition, formalization of artisanal mining, and partnerships between small-scale miners and investors, thereby contributing to employment creation and increased household incomes; (ii) Social Sector, which aims to reduce poverty, inequality and vulnerability by improving access to education and skills development, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, and social protection, with particular emphasis on addressing deficiencies in infrastructure, human resources, equipment and supplies, access to health services, water and sanitation facilities, and social protection programmes; (iii) Environment, which addresses the increasing risks associated with climate change, including droughts, floods and high temperatures that adversely affect livelihoods, food security and public health. The district will address these challenges through forest protection and management, community forest management, afforestation, reforestation, conservation, and environmental education and public awareness; (iv) Water, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, which prioritizes access to clean and safe water, improved sanitation services, and sustainable management of water resources to enhance human well-being and support economic and industrial development; and (v) Transport and Communication, which focuses on improving road, aviation, marine transport and logistics infrastructure, expanding electricity and telecommunications services to growth centres and rural areas, promoting energy-efficient and green solutions, and strengthening digital innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development to support the transition towards a digital economy.
Zambia · 2024-01-01