An assessment of the role of spatial planning in the promotion of small and medium enterprises in small urban centres: Case of Shamva and Mazowe districts

Abstract

This study examined the role of spatial planning in the promotion of small and medium enterprises (commonly abbreviated SMEs) in small urban centres. Specifically the study intended to (i) Assess the role of spatial planning in the promotion of small and medium enterprises in small urban centres (ii) Find out the perceptions and different activities of small and medium enterprises in the study areas. (iii) Give an understanding of the challenges and institutional arrangements that characterises SMEs in areas under study. Data for the study was collected from two districts i.eShamva and Mazowe in Mashonaland Central Province using unstructured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and tables were used to analyse data. The study findings revealed that there are efforts by spatial planners, the government and other key stakeholders to advance the development and firm establishment of small and medium enterprises. However the views of these small entrepreneurs revealed that their operating environment is still hostile. The study therefore conducted that the role of spatial planning is crucial in the promotion of SMEs in small urban centres. It was then recommended that both government and other stakeholders should promote the growth and development of SMEs given the socio-economic gains the SME sector offers.