By Staff Reporter
President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has officially launched the Land Tenure Programme, a landmark reform designed to strengthen security of land tenure and fundamentally transform Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector in line with the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
The programme, which is being implemented through the Land Tenure Implementation Committee chaired by Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, introduces secure, bankable and transferable land tenure instruments, including title deeds, for both A1 and A2 farmers. The reform is widely viewed as a critical step towards unlocking long-term investment in agriculture by addressing one of the sector’s most persistent constraints — insecure land tenure.
For decades, limited access to finance has weighed heavily on agricultural productivity, largely because farmers could not leverage land as collateral. Under the new framework, eligible farmers will now be able to use their tenure instruments to access credit from financial institutions, invest in modern farming technologies, improve irrigation infrastructure and scale up production.
The Land Tenure Programme consolidates the gains of the Land Reform Programme, which redistributed land to thousands of indigenous Zimbabweans, while shifting focus towards productivity, sustainability and value creation. By strengthening tenure security, the Government aims to move land reform from redistribution to full economic utilisation.
Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, guided by the principle of “leaving no one and no place behind.” He emphasised that farmers are central to national development, food security and rural industrialisation, noting that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy.
The reform is also expected to stimulate rural development by attracting private sector participation and fostering partnerships across the agricultural value chain. With improved access to capital, farmers can invest in storage facilities, mechanisation and agro-processing, helping to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance value addition at the local level.
Economists say the programme could have far-reaching macroeconomic benefits, including improved food security, reduced import dependence and increased export potential for agricultural commodities. Over time, higher productivity and incomes in rural areas are expected to support broader economic growth and poverty reduction.
Importantly, the Land Tenure Programme aligns agriculture with the broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. By creating a predictable and secure operating environment for farmers, the reform sends a strong signal to both domestic and international investors about Government’s commitment to policy consistency and economic reform.
As implementation gathers pace, stakeholders will be watching closely to assess the programme’s impact on agricultural financing, productivity and rural livelihoods. If effectively executed, the Land Tenure Programme could mark a decisive turning point in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation and long-term economic development.
