ZIMBABWE has finally begun to realise the fruits of the Land Reform Programme.
Today, the country stands on the cusp of the largest-ever wheat haul since production of the cereal began in the 1960s.
There were indications last week that the harvest is now estimated at close to 567 000 tonnes.
This is huge!
Agricultural production and productivity have been noticeably rising over the past seven years, principally because of President Mnangagwa’s drive to make Zimbabwe in general and households in particular food-secure.
Had it not been for successive droughts and other extreme weather events, the country, all things being equal, would have successfully transitioned from a food-secure nation to an exporter.
While climate change is now an unquestionable reality, the Second Republic has encouragingly been aggressively investing in irrigation development.
Just for perspective, the area under irrigation has increased by 28 percent from 169 000 hectares (ha) in 2019 to 217 000ha in 2024, which represents the fastest irrigation expansion rate since independence.
And this has largely been driven by the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan.
This trend is likely to continue, especially after the funding and opportunities that were unlocked during the July 5 Zimbabwe Irrigation Investment Conference that was held in the capital.
For example, a US$172 million deal has since been signed with Valley Irrigation to provide centre pivot irrigation systems for 23 000ha, while Spanish firm Grupo Charmatin, facilitated by Munda Wedu Private Limited, initially provided €51 million for developing 12 725ha of irrigated land.
The funding was later increased to €75 million to cover more hectares.
Another deal with Lindsay Zimmatic will add US$100 million for irrigation of an additional 20 000ha.
Some of these projects have already taken off.
But the longstanding debate ever since the Land Reform Programme has been on the tenure system.
Essentially, the more than 10 million ha that were redistributed under the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme to 1,3 million smallholder farmers, among other beneficiaries, remained vested in the State.
However, some argued that without giving title to the beneficiaries, the land remained a “dead asset”, as, to all intents and purposes, it could not be easily sold, transferred or used as collateral for loans.
Clearly, this is an inaccurate characterisation, for the land on which our farmers have been settled has made it possible for Zimbabwe to achieve the recent milestones in maize, tobacco and wheat production.
So, an asset that has revitalised the economy in recent years cannot possibly be regarded as “dead”.
While this is so, it is equally accurate to say we have not been able to get the maximum possible value from the land, as farmers have been struggling to access loans from banks, which are hesitant to provide funding to individuals without title.
Title deeds are vital for both individuals and businesses as they provide legal recognition of ownership.
This critically ensures that investments in land are secure.
So, the current review of the tenure system to ensure that beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme get title should be recognised and applauded for what it is — a revolutionary reform that will have a profound impact on individual wealth, investment in agriculture and output.
Title deeds transform land into a viable form of collateral, enabling landowners to secure loans to start businesses, improve their properties or invest in education and healthcare.
The envisaged investment projects can take many forms, such as building homes, starting agricultural projects and developing commercial enterprises.
Secure land tenure also encourages long-term planning and development, which can lead to increased productivity and economic growth.
Land with a clear title is generally more valuable than land without one. This increase in value benefits landowners directly, as they can sell their property at a higher price or leverage its value in other ways.
Additionally, higher property values can lead to increased tax revenues for local governments, which can then be reinvested in community services and infrastructure.
Overall, title deeds are more than just pieces of paper; they are powerful tools that can unlock the economic potential of land.
By providing legal recognition, facilitating access to credit, encouraging investment, enhancing property values and promoting social stability, title deeds transform land from a dead asset into a dynamic resource that can drive economic growth and development.
What is even more conforming is the fact that these benefits are likely to accrue to Zimbabweans, as title for the land would come with guardrails that ensure that the property is transferrable only to locals, thus ensuring that the Land Reform Programme is not reversed.
President Mnangagwa deserves to be applauded for showing the boldness to make such an intervention that is likely to materially transform the dynamics around property ownership, individual wealth, agricultural production and economic growth.
As we have seen with the latest reforms in the broadcasting sector, boldness has been the hallmark of President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
New land tenure system to unlock immense wealth
ZIMBABWE has finally begun to realise the fruits of the Land Reform Programme.
Today, the country stands on the cusp of the largest-ever wheat haul since production of the cereal began in the 1960s.
There were indications last week that the harvest is now estimated at close to 567 000 tonnes.
This is huge!
Agricultural production and productivity have been noticeably rising over the past seven years, principally because of President Mnangagwa’s drive to make Zimbabwe in general and households in particular food-secure.
Had it not been for successive droughts and other extreme weather events, the country, all things being equal, would have successfully transitioned from a food-secure nation to an exporter.
While climate change is now an unquestionable reality, the Second Republic has encouragingly been aggressively investing in irrigation development.
Just for perspective, the area under irrigation has increased by 28 percent from 169 000 hectares (ha) in 2019 to 217 000ha in 2024, which represents the fastest irrigation expansion rate since independence.
And this has largely been driven by the Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation and Development Plan.
This trend is likely to continue, especially after the funding and opportunities that were unlocked during the July 5 Zimbabwe Irrigation Investment Conference that was held in the capital.
For example, a US$172 million deal has since been signed with Valley Irrigation to provide centre pivot irrigation systems for 23 000ha, while Spanish firm Grupo Charmatin, facilitated by Munda Wedu Private Limited, initially provided €51 million for developing 12 725ha of irrigated land.
The funding was later increased to €75 million to cover more hectares.
Another deal with Lindsay Zimmatic will add US$100 million for irrigation of an additional 20 000ha.
Some of these projects have already taken off.
But the longstanding debate ever since the Land Reform Programme has been on the tenure system.
Essentially, the more than 10 million ha that were redistributed under the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme to 1,3 million smallholder farmers, among other beneficiaries, remained vested in the State.
However, some argued that without giving title to the beneficiaries, the land remained a “dead asset”, as, to all intents and purposes, it could not be easily sold, transferred or used as collateral for loans.
Clearly, this is an inaccurate characterisation, for the land on which our farmers have been settled has made it possible for Zimbabwe to achieve the recent milestones in maize, tobacco and wheat production.
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So, an asset that has revitalised the economy in recent years cannot possibly be regarded as “dead”.
While this is so, it is equally accurate to say we have not been able to get the maximum possible value from the land, as farmers have been struggling to access loans from banks, which are hesitant to provide funding to individuals without title.
Title deeds are vital for both individuals and businesses as they provide legal recognition of ownership.
This critically ensures that investments in land are secure.
So, the current review of the tenure system to ensure that beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme get title should be recognised and applauded for what it is — a revolutionary reform that will have a profound impact on individual wealth, investment in agriculture and output.
Title deeds transform land into a viable form of collateral, enabling landowners to secure loans to start businesses, improve their properties or invest in education and healthcare.
The envisaged investment projects can take many forms, such as building homes, starting agricultural projects and developing commercial enterprises.
Secure land tenure also encourages long-term planning and development, which can lead to increased productivity and economic growth.
Land with a clear title is generally more valuable than land without one. This increase in value benefits landowners directly, as they can sell their property at a higher price or leverage its value in other ways.
Additionally, higher property values can lead to increased tax revenues for local governments, which can then be reinvested in community services and infrastructure.
Overall, title deeds are more than just pieces of paper; they are powerful tools that can unlock the economic potential of land.
By providing legal recognition, facilitating access to credit, encouraging investment, enhancing property values and promoting social stability, title deeds transform land from a dead asset into a dynamic resource that can drive economic growth and development.
What is even more conforming is the fact that these benefits are likely to accrue to Zimbabweans, as title for the land would come with guardrails that ensure that the property is transferrable only to locals, thus ensuring that the Land Reform Programme is not reversed.
President Mnangagwa deserves to be applauded for showing the boldness to make such an intervention that is likely to materially transform the dynamics around property ownership, individual wealth, agricultural production and economic growth.
As we have seen with the latest reforms in the broadcasting sector, boldness has been the hallmark of President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
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