Zimbabwe approves 2,406 farming joint ventures

The Zimbabwean Government has approved 2,406 land joint ventures covering a total of 217,739 hectares, a move aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting rural industrialisation. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration between landowners and aspiring farmers, providing opportunities for those eager to engage in agriculture but lacking access to land or resources. Government officials emphasise that joint ventures are a practical way to optimise land use and drive productivity.

Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, described the ventures as crucial in enhancing farming output. "These joint venture facilities are practical solutions that we are exploring to enhance partnerships in farming businesses that guarantee productivity," he said.

The distribution of approved ventures demonstrates a nationwide commitment, with Mashonaland West leading with 1,018 joint ventures, followed by Mashonaland Central with 598, Mashonaland East with 401, Masvingo with 213, Manicaland with 112, Midlands with 18, Matabeleland South with 42, and Matabeleland North with four.

Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka noted that many landowners possess land but lack the capital to cultivate it effectively. "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," he said.

The programme, launched in 2020, has already begun transforming land utilisation in Zimbabwe. By linking landowners without sufficient resources to investors willing to contribute capital and expertise, formerly dormant farms are being revitalised, often exceeding productivity expectations. To support the initiative, Statutory Instrument 38 of 2021 was introduced, gazetting all areas with irrigation infrastructure for joint ventures and providing a regulatory framework to optimise agricultural production.

With over 10,000 diasporans and 270,000 locals on waiting lists for land allocation, these partnerships offer a timely solution to bridge the gap between land availability and farming resources. Landowners are encouraged to contact Agritex offices for assistance in finding suitable partners, ensuring that the benefits of the joint ventures are fully realised.

The approval of 2,406 farming joint ventures represents a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's agricultural journey, promoting collaboration, innovation, and sustainable land use across the country.