Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has approved more than 2 406 land joint ventures, encompassing a total of 217 739 hectares.
This initiative seeks to foster collaboration between landowners and those seeking agricultural opportunities, ultimately boosting productivity and driving rural industrialisation.
As the nation seeks sustainable solutions to its farming challenges, these joint ventures stand as a beacon of hope, inviting innovation and co-operation in the agricultural sector.
The approval of these joint ventures comes at a crucial time, as many individuals find themselves eager to engage in farming but lack access to land or the necessary resources to cultivate it effectively.
Government encourages those in need of farmland to partner with landowners who have land but are not fully utilising it.
Currently, a significant number of individuals are on a waiting list for land allocation, with over 10 000 diasporans and 270,000 locals expressing interest in agricultural pursuits.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the vital role of joint ventures in enhancing agricultural productivity.
“These joint venture facilities are practical solutions that we are exploring to enhance partnerships in farming businesses that guarantee productivity.”
This sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit that the Government is fostering within the agricultural sector, as it recognises that not every landowner possesses the resources needed to cultivate their land effectively.
The distribution of the approved joint ventures highlights the regional commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector.
In Mashonaland Central, 598 JVs have been approved; Mashonaland East has 401 JVs; Mashonaland West leads with 1,018 JVs; while Manicaland has 112 JVs, Masvingo 213 JVs, Matabeleland North 4 JVs, Midlands 18 JVs, and Matabeleland South 42 JVs.
This widespread approval reflects a strategic approach to land utilisation, ensuring that every hectare is optimised for agricultural production.
Recently, Minister Anxious Masuka said the Government has a corporate model of farming that allows those who want to farm to participate in that model. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these joint ventures, challenges remain.
Notably, many landowners possess land but lack the necessary capital to cultivate it effectively.
Minister Masuka said not all people who have land possess adequate resources. “It is essential that we create an environment where those with land and those with capital can come together, ensuring that all Zimbabweans benefit from our agricultural resources.”
This call for collaboration highlights the necessity of bridging the gap between landownership and resource availability.
The joint venture initiative, launched in 2020, has already begun reshaping the approach to land utilisation in Zimbabwe.
This programme connects landowners without resources to investors eager to contribute to agriculture, fostering a spirit of co-operation rather than competition.
Many formerly dormant farms are now reactivated, with joint venture partners often exceeding productivity expectations.
To support this initiative, the Government has established a refined Statutory Instrument (SI) 38 of 2021, which gazettes all areas with irrigation infrastructure for joint ventures. This regulatory framework is essential for enhancing agricultural production and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
In conclusion, the approval of 2,406 farming joint ventures marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s agricultural journey.
These partnerships not only provide a pathway for collaboration but also represent a strategic effort to revitalise the sector and improve food security.
As the Government continues to work alongside farmers and investors, the potential for growth and innovation in agriculture is boundless.
Landowners are encouraged to reach out to Agritex offices for assistance in finding suitable partners, ensuring that the benefits of these joint ventures are realised for the greater good of the nation.
