Mafemba, Simbarashe A.2024-06-302024-06-302023Mafemba, Simbarashe A. (2023). [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/38786https://hdl.handle.net/10539/38786This document is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree: Master of Architecture (Professional) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2023.Cotton plant production in Zimbabwe has witnessed a concerning decline. This cash crop, crucial for the country’s economy, has unfortunately become a harbinger of poverty among diligent farmers. Nonetheless, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon with the adoption of sustainable farming practices, including the use of organic seeds, which can reduce pesticide usage and water requirements, potentially revitalizing cotton production. Marondera, an agricultural hub, predominantly relies on subsistence farming methods to cultivate this labor and capital-intensive cash crop. Regrettably, these methods have proven inefficient for achieving profitability, ultimately pushing farmers further into poverty. The objective of my research is to delve into the realm of cotton farming, seeking avenues to enhance its viability and sustainability, thereby empowering farmers and fostering employment opportunities within associated industries. Cotton cultivation presents a multitude of job prospects, particularly during the processing phase. As part of my architectural intervention, I aspire to design a community Research Centre in Marondera. This center will serve as a knowledge hub, equipping cotton farmers with the expertise and techniques needed to cultivate the crop efficiently and sustainably. A pivotal aspect of the design will be the incorporation of vernacular architecture and locally available materials, ensuring that the architecture aligns with the practical needs of the local population it serves.en©2023 University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgEnhancing subsistenceCotton farmingMaronderaZimbabweChild of the soilUCTDSDG-11: Sustainable cities and communitiesDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg