Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT is taking substantial steps towards establishing a transparent and equitable land allocation system, emphasising the need for minimal human intervention and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
This initiative aims to prioritise vulnerable and marginalised groups, especially women, youth, war veterans, and persons with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to access agricultural land.
During a national consultative stakeholders’ validation workshop on equitable access to agricultural land in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe Lands Commission chairperson Commissioner Tendai Bare, representing Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, highlighted the urgent need for transparency in land distribution.
“At the core of our land policy is the principle that all Zimbabweans, regardless of gender, age, disability, or social status, must have fair and just access to agricultural land,” Dr Masuka said.
This commitment to inclusivity is crucial for fostering a more equitable society.
The Government is also reviewing and reallocating underutilised or multiple farm holdings to ensure a fair distribution of land resources.
Dr Masuka further emphasised the importance of adhering to established farm size regulations, which are essential for promoting equity and sustainability.
He said land must not only be accessed but also occupied legally and productively, with security of tenure.
“Illegal occupations, land disputes, and boundary encroachments undermine land access, use, and productivity,” Dr Masuka said, underscoring the need for a systematic approach to land administration.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent land administration system, which is crucial for improving land use and productivity. Since the historic Fast Track Land Reform Programme, the Government has taken bold steps to address colonial injustices and reclaim indigenous control over natural resources.
This ongoing commitment to transparency is aimed at building trust among citizens and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the same workshop, Mr Luke Dangirwa from the Disability National Council of Zimbabwe raised concerns about the discrimination faced by persons with disabilities in land allocation.
“We are not given opportunities to be allocated land, but we have the capacity to do better on farms. Some of us have the resources to do the work. Currently, we are not happy with the way we are treated. We want to be included in the programme.”
His remarks highlight the critical need for the Government to ensure that all groups are represented and included in land allocation processes.
UNDP team leader on Transformative Governance, Mr Tafadzwa Muvingi, pointed out that land administration in Zimbabwe remains patriarchal, often sidelining women and persons with disabilities. Cultural biases continue to exclude women from land inheritance, perpetuating gender inequalities.
However, there are success stories, such as women in the Rusitu dairy scheme, who have produced over 800 000 litres of milk annually, demonstrating that equitable access to land can lead to significant agricultural success.
