Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
THE Government has approved more than 2 500 land joint ventures (JVs) covering over 200 000 hectares to boost productivity and accelerate rural industrialisation.
The initiative is designed to promote collaboration between landowners and individuals or investors seeking farming opportunities, creating a practical pathway to maximise land use and improve output across the country.
The development comes at a critical time when thousands of Zimbabweans are eager to venture into agriculture but lack access to land or the resources needed for effective production.
The Government is encouraging such individuals to partner with landowners who have underutilised land but insufficient capacity to farm it productively.
Currently, demand for agricultural land remains high, with more than 270 000 locals and over 10 000 Zimbabweans in the diaspora expressing interest in farming.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, emphasised the importance of joint ventures in transforming the sector.
“These joint venture facilities are practical solutions that we are imploring to enhance partnerships in farming businesses that guarantee productivity. We have seen a lot of investors coming in,” he said.
Prof Jiri noted that the initiative has already begun attracting investment into agriculture, particularly in areas such as mechanisation, irrigation development and access to working capital – all critical to improving productivity.
The programme reflects the Government’s recognition that many landowners lack the financial and technical resources required to fully utilise their land, making partnerships essential for unlocking agricultural potential.
