Developing an Environmental Conservation Framework for Sustainable Land Use Planning a Case of Kanakapanta Resettlement Scheme

Land use planning plays an important role in advancing sustainable development by integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions to optimize land utilization and bolster climate resilience. The adoption of efficient practices contributes to the mitigation of land degradation, while strategically planned agricultural systems enhance food security and promote ecological balance. This study focused on the development of an environmental conservation framework for sustainable land use planning in Zambia. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data were collected from a sample of 150 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The research identified key conflicts between agriculture and environmental conservation, including unsustainable farming practices (30.8%), resource competition (24.2%), and deforestation (23.3%). Approximately 40.3% of respondents reported occasional conflicts, while 33% experienced them often. Major barriers to sustainable land development included inadequate financial support (35%) and lack of knowledge (30%). Awareness of sustainable agricultural practices varied, with 38% of respondents indicating high awareness and 35.8% reporting low awareness. Conventional agriculture (35.8%), crop rotation (30%), and conservation agriculture (11.7%) were the most common practices, with crop rotation being the easiest to implement (42.2%), and climate-smart agriculture being the most challenging (37.8%). A chi-square analysis revealed no significant association between awareness levels and perceived barrier impacts (p=0.327). Regression analysis indicated that age negatively correlated with the type of conflict (β=-0.0283, p< 0.001), while location influenced conflict experiences, with certain areas, such as Section D (β=1.3799, p< 0.001) and Section G (β=1.6554, p< 0.001), reporting more frequent conflicts. Additionally, sex had a positive but marginally significant effect (β=0.2640, p=0.062). Qualitative findings highlighted the tension between agricultural production and environmental conservation, with economic pressures driving environmental degradation, such as deforestation and water pollution. Participants also pointed to limited knowledge, training, and financial barriers, including high costs and restricted access to credit, as key obstacles. The study proposed an environmental conservation framework to address these conflicts, integrating sustainable agricultural practices with effective land use planning. The framework advocates a multi-stakeholder approach involving policymakers, farmers, and environmental experts to promote balanced sustainable land use. The findings enhance the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the conflicts between agriculture and environmental conservation in land use planning, highlighting key socio-economic and spatial factors influencing sustainability challenges. The proposed environmental conservation framework offers a practical guide for policymakers and stakeholders to integrate sustainable agricultural practices into land use planning.