Farming: ‘New permits will revolutionise agriculture’

Introduction of permanent A1 land permits, which will enable farmers to assume full ownership of land and use it as collateral when borrowing, is set to create a sustainable agricultural revolution that will go a long way in alleviating poverty and ensuring food security.

Before introduction of the permits, dark clouds hung on the sector as uncertainty and land insecurity discouraged farmers from fully developing their plots.

The terms and conditions of the permits call on farmers to fully utilise the land, failure of which will result in them losing it to more deserving beneficiaries.

Farmers are compelled to pay between US$1 and US$3 per hectare per year as levies, a move that will prompt them to be productive and to commercialise their operations.

“As farmers, we are left no choice but to fully utilise the land. To me, the levies are a motivating factor,” said Mr Moven Mutingwende, a small-scale tobacco farmer.

At least 221 470 resettled farmers are set to receive the permits.
The permits, which were unveiled by President Mugabe at Chifundi Farm in Makonde last week, can be used as collateral by farmers when borrowing.

Farmers are currently struggling to access loans from banks with the lack of collateral being the major stumbling block.

Mr Crispen Kadiramwando, president of the Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe, said introduction of the permits would change farmers’ perceptions and attitudes.

“This is a positive move. As farmers, we should be thankful to President Mugabe for launching such a life-changing documet. As farmers, the issue of collateral and security of tenure has been a grey area. The permits will solve these problems once and for all,” Mr Kadiramwando said.

Mr Kadiramwando said many people still doubted the permanance of the land reform programme and the land permits would serve to dispel those doubts.

Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said offer letters created a lot of challenges as they were issued by the district administrators, who fall under the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

According to the minister, the levies paid by the farmers did not directly benefit the ministry responsible for land.

For a farmer to be given the permit, he/she should be above 21-years-old, settled on a properly planned and verified A1 farm, and should build a decent, permanent home.

Beneficiaries have rights to use allocated land for agricultural, pastoral and residential purposes.

A holder of the permits is expected to follow good agricultural practices, such as maintaining contour ridges, and to adhere to recommended cropping and grazing methods.

Provision of clean and safe water is also prerequisite.

Mr Steady Kangata, the Environmental Management Agency spokesperson, said the permits would go a long way in promoting conservation of natural resources.

“The permits provide security of tenure. We are going to register massive strides in matters to do with environmental preservation.

“The permits encourage good workmanship in terms of land conservation since the farmers will treat their plots as permanent sources of livelihoods,” Mr Kangata said

Mr Kangata said the permits are going to solve the tragedy of commons, an economics theory which states that individuals tend to protect natural resources if they individually own a stake in them.

According to the theory, communities tend to negligently exploit natural resources that are communally owned.

The theory is often cited in connection with sustainable development, economic growth as well as environmental protection.

The levies that are collected will be used for infrastructure development in rural areas.