Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Government has reinstated the ban on peri-urban farming and will no longer extend input support to residents of urban and peri-urban areas under the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has said.
Peri-urban farming refers to small-scale crop and livestock production that takes place in and around towns and cities, often on undeveloped plots of land, road verges, wetlands and other open spaces.
In recent years, it has become common in areas around major cities such as Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare, as urban residents seek to supplement their food supplies or incomes.
However, Government maintains that agriculture should only take place in land specifically designated for farming purposes.
Responding to questions during Wednesday’s question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, Dr Masuka said urban and peri-urban settlements are primarily residential and therefore unsuitable for farming.
He said uncontrolled cultivation in such areas can damage the environment, clog drainage systems and strain municipal infrastructure.
“It is important to note that agriculture is designated for agricultural zones,” he said.
“Urban areas are primarily residential and do not accommodate farming activities.
“In Zimbabwe, we have established that urban agriculture is not permitted, as farming should take place on land specifically allocated for agricultural purposes, not within urban settlements.”
