2.3 IDENTIFYING UNDERUTILISED OPPORTUNITIES ON LIMPOPO RIVER

Most of the National borders in Africa are mapped along with geographical, physical landmarks such as Mountains, rivers, and lakes. These physical features are limited to a function of offering the division between countries. Many economic opportunities programmes can be explored and sheltered in a spatial form in these places to improve the standard of living for the immediate communities and Africa as a whole. Beitbridge border post has Limpopo river used to separate Zimbabwe and South Africa, and it became no-man’s land. Other opportunities that can be explored to earn a living from the river are listed on table 1 below. The identified contextual things can inspire the programmes that can inform the design of the marketplace.

Table 1 Market place opportunities by Author Description Fish

Wildlife

water

No-man land- unoccupied territory between two countries

Dam Opportunities Fishing for food security income and job creation Tourism income and job creation Tourism –income and job creation No rules – market for illicit products

Fresh water body catchment area For – Agriculture Landscaping for recreation parks

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Figure 10 wildlife near the site by Author

The Limpopo river is a habitant of the Hippopotamus. The Hippopotamus is amongst the

favorite animal that many tourists like to see. As one of the main attractions to the tourist, it

justifies the development of the Tourism market opportunity on the river Limpopo.

Figure 11 wildlife near the site by Author

The crocodile is also very common in the inhabitants resident of the Limpopo river. These animals also attract many visitors. A Market designed around them can also generate much income for the communities.

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However, since Human beings will benefit from these animals' presence by creating a market, The Architecture design around them should acknowledge their presence. The prominent acknowledgment is by rewarding this wildlife by enhancing their environment by afforestation and limiting water, land, and noise pollution as this entices their nature.

Beitbridge is the Host of the unique variety of cuisine prepared from the local grow natural from unique local plants. These are the Baobab fruits and the Mopani worms. These products are pretty popular when solving some health care problems. Hence a market created on them will thrive.

Figure 12 by Author

The Baobab fruits harvested from the Baobab fruit in the background

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Figure 13 by Author

The baobab fruits products vary from juice, skincare, skincare, powder. The products are highly recommended for fertility, blood pressure, skin, and digestive health care.

Figure 14 Mopani worms by Author

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