Story by Tendai Munengwa
YOUTHS in farming have thrown their weight behind the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, saying it will enable President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa to see through key agricultural reforms, including the rollout of title deeds to land reform beneficiaries.
The young farmers say policy continuity is critical in consolidating gains made under the Land Reform Programme and advancing Vision 2030.
Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Coin Horticulture, Ms Grace Musa said the proposed amendment will support long-term planning and investment in agriculture.
“I lease over 14 hectares and grow carrots, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, and more. The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill will help us because we plan to export next year. It gives us title deeds under President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the country can move forward,” she said.
Other beneficiaries echoed similar sentiments, linking the Bill to improved livelihoods and future prospects.
“By 2030, our President will have spruced up many projects he initiated, while our CEO will have fulfilled some of her objectives to export and get land with title deeds,” a beneficiary said.
“We have moved out of the world of drugs, which has destroyed the futures of our youth, so we wish our President to achieve his vision to uplift the lives of youth,” another added.
Over the years, President Mnangagwa has spearheaded a number of agricultural initiatives that have contributed to improved food security, anchored on the Land Reform Programme.
In 2024, Government introduced the security of tenure programme through the issuance of title deeds to beneficiaries, a move aimed at strengthening land ownership and improving access to finance.
Minister of Lands and Rural Development, Honourable Vangelis Haritatos said the programme is designed to enhance productivity and unlock value in agriculture.
“We need to move our farmers to title deeds, which is the end game. We need to incentivise them by issuing title deeds so that farms become bankable and can be used as collateral to access loans. Government wants to ensure that production and productivity become the prerogative for one to own land allocated under the land reform,” he said.
The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which proposes, among other provisions, extending the electoral cycle, has received support from various stakeholders during nationwide public consultations and is set to be tabled in Parliament for debate.
