Story by John Nhandara
HARARE – STAKEHOLDERS in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector convened in the capital on Tuesday to validate findings from a recent study on Equitable Access, Size, Occupation, and Usage of Agricultural Land.
The study, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Land Commission (ZLC), is set to inform future land management policies and frameworks aimed at enhancing transparency, tenure security, and land productivity.
The validation meeting marks a critical phase in finalising the report, which was conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The research addresses long-standing questions around land distribution and access, particularly for historically marginalised communities.
Speaking during the workshop, ZLC Chairperson, Commissioner Tendai Bare, emphasised the strategic importance of the study, which responds to a policy directive issued on 8 October 2024.
“There was a policy pronouncement on October 8, 2024, that we must have a tenure document that is transferable, marketable and tradable. The President also articulated that we must focus on groups previously marginalised. Therefore, the Zimbabwe Land Commission commissioned this study to assess how such groups are enjoying the use of land. The purpose of this engagement is to validate the findings of the study we carried out,” Commissioner Bare said.
The study’s recommendations are expected to shape Zimbabwe’s efforts to ensure that agricultural land, which remains central to national identity, food security and economic resilience, is utilised effectively and equitably.
Mr Tafadzwa Muvingi, a representative of the UNDP, underscored the developmental and human rights dimensions of equitable land governance.
“Agricultural land is at the core of our nation’s identity, economy, employment and food security. Therefore, ensuring fair access and proper utilisation is not just an agricultural priority, it is a human rights and development imperative. UNDP is honoured to have supported and collaborated with the Zimbabwe Lands Commission in conducting this study, which is a key milestone towards improving the governance, administration, and management of land in Zimbabwe,” he said.
The outcomes of the validation process will inform key policy decisions and possible legislative reforms in the land sector, with the ultimate goal of promoting inclusive, transparent and productive agricultural land management.
