Zimbabwe’s New Land Policy: A Milestone in Agricultural Reform

In an unprecedented shift, Zimbabwe’s government has opened the door for resettled farmers to sell or transfer their land. However, the transfer is limited to indigenous Zimbabweans, marking a significant evolution in land ownership dynamics.

This new development comes after a 23-year land reform initiative that redistributed vast tracts of agricultural land to black Zimbabweans. The government’s latest policy aims to unlock economic value by issuing transferable and bankable tenure documents to beneficiaries. Farmers can now leverage their land for economic gain.

The introduction of a moratorium on 99-year leases is also a key feature of the reform. The new policy signifies a major turning point, ensuring the land reform legacy remains intact while making the land economically viable. Farmers now have improved tenure security, which should increase their willingness to invest in infrastructure and long-term development on their farms.

This policy is not just about ownership but transformation. It has potential to breathe new life into the agriculture sector, enhancing productivity and economic growth. Young farmers, who have been at the forefront of commercial farming, stand to benefit immensely, particularly as they look to farming not just as a livelihood, but as a serious business.

Financial access has long been a problem for Zimbabwean farmers. The new bankable tenure system could change this, allowing landholders to access loans and credit using their land as collateral. Previously, a lack of security over land meant farmers struggled to secure meaningful investment for agricultural development.

Yet, challenges remain. One issue is the government’s historical struggle with debt due to non-performing loans in the agriculture sector. The new policy must also tackle the question of accountability. Beneficiaries of land reform must demonstrate greater responsibility when managing financial support, ensuring the state does not face unsustainable agricultural debts.

Another critical area this policy addresses is the land tenure rights of successors, particularly the children of war veterans and land reform beneficiaries. Questions of inheritance have previously caused confusion and instability in land ownership. By introducing a transferable tenure system, the government hopes to alleviate these succession issues, bringing clarity and continuity to landholding.

Moreover, land barons, who have long taken advantage of Zimbabwe’s planning laws, creating unregulated settlements, have put pressure on local authorities. The government’s efforts to regulate urban land for credible developers offer hope for structured, well-serviced settlements, aligning with the country’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.

But while the policy is progressive, some may argue it doesn’t go far enough. Critics might question whether limiting land transfers to indigenous Zimbabweans truly maximizes economic potential. There is an ongoing tension between honoring the spirit of land reform and adapting to modern economic realities.

The government’s emphasis on land as a tool for economic transformation is also central to this policy. The plan to foster investments in irrigation, rural road construction, and dam building aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of strengthening its agricultural base and achieving food security. These initiatives could help mitigate the effects of future droughts and climate change, challenges that have plagued Zimbabwe’s farming sector.

At the same time, Zimbabwe’s constitution remains a cornerstone in the debate over land reform. Sections 289 and 294 mandate that agricultural land must benefit the majority, yet they also provide room for the state to create economic value. By tying this new land policy to constitutional principles, the government ensures that the reform remains legally sound while promoting economic growth.

The policy’s impact on urban land development could also be profound. By prioritizing credible developers, the government aims to create high-quality urban housing developments. These developments will be key in addressing Zimbabwe’s housing shortages, which have worsened as unregulated settlements proliferate.

What remains to be seen is how these changes will be implemented on the ground. The formation of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee (LTIC) and the cabinet oversight committee chaired by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri are positive steps. These committees have the responsibility of ensuring the reforms are executed efficiently and equitably, addressing potential pitfalls and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Zimbabwe’s commitment to safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle and ensuring that the land stays in the hands of its people remains central to the policy. The mantra “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” continues to resonate, symbolizing the government’s stance on keeping the land within indigenous control.

As Zimbabwe continues its journey towards economic recovery, this policy offers a fresh opportunity for landholders to be more than just beneficiaries—they can now become key economic players. However, the success of this policy will depend on how well it navigates the complex issues of accountability, investment, and sustainable land use.

In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s new land policy marks a critical juncture in its agricultural and economic landscape. By giving farmers greater security and opening up new financial avenues, it holds the potential to reshape the country’s future. Whether it achieves its ambitious goals will depend on execution and long-term commitment to reform.

The Zim Bulletin