Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika, Zimpapers Writer
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to hand over title deeds to 1 000 farmers under the Presidential Title Deeds Programme at a historic ceremony at Craigengower Farm in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central Province.
The event will also coincide with the commissioning of production booster kits, which are an irrigation package designed to cover one hectare of irrigated land per farmer. Each kit comprises pumps, pipes, and related equipment to help farmers mitigate the effects of climate change.
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Christopher Magomo, confirmed that all preparations for today’s event were complete.
“Everything is now in place for tomorrow’s (today’s) historic event. We are expecting at least 30 000 people from all districts in the province. All logistical arrangements are in place to host the President. As a province, we are humbled and honoured to host an event of such importance and magnitude,” he said.
The Minister said the province remains committed to contributing to national food security and GDP growth through increased agricultural productivity.
The Presidential Title Deeds Programme was launched by President Mnangagwa on December 20, 2024 at Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe, where 10 farmers symbolically received their documents. The programme is a process expected to benefit over 360 000 landholders across the country.
Spearheaded by the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, the programme aims to convert land currently held under 99-year leases, offer letters, and permits into bankable, registrable, and transferable deeds of ownership.
The title deeds will provide farmers with security of tenure and enable them to use their land as collateral. This will unlock access to credit, boost productivity, and encourage investment in infrastructure.
A deed of transfer serves as legally binding proof of ownership and is registered with the Deeds Office, making agricultural land more attractive for investment while ensuring clear rules on ownership and transfer.
The Government has prioritised boosting smallholder irrigation as part of its efforts to improve household food security by reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
Craigengower Farm has been subdivided into A1 plots, with 70 percent of the beneficiaries being war veterans.
