Zimbabwe farmland surveys to be concluded soon

The Government is fast-tracking the completion of farmland surveys and rolling out key recommendations from the Comprehensive National Agricultural Land Audit (CNALA) as part of a broad effort to strengthen Zimbabwe's land reform achievements and improve national food and nutrition security.

Following the fast-track Land Reform Programme in the early 2000s, Zimbabwe faced a sharp decline in agricultural production due to a combination of economic sanctions, climate shocks, limited access to inputs, and a shortage of experienced farmers. Some beneficiaries occupied prime farmland but struggled to use it effectively, leading to underutilisation, boundary disputes, and cases of multiple ownership.

In response, the Government commissioned the CNALA through the Zimbabwe Land Commission (ZLC) to assess the state of land allocation, ownership, utilisation and productivity across all provinces.

Under the Vision 2030 agricultural transformation agenda, the audit aims to ensure that every hectare of land contributes meaningfully to food security, economic growth, and rural development.

During the first phase of the audit, at least 254,538 farms were surveyed nationwide. The process examined land allocation, beneficiary distribution, investment levels, production patterns, environmental management, extension services, and tenure arrangements.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the initiative is designed to ensure that all allocated land is properly utilised, surveyed, and managed under secure tenure.

"Government has established a high-level committee coordinated by the Permanent Secretary to spearhead implementation of the recommendations in the Comprehensive National Agricultural Land Audit Report, address policy issues raised and track progress regarding implementation," Prof Jiri said.

He added that the Government is now issuing title deeds to all resettled farmers, a move expected to enhance tenure security and enable access to bank loans for agricultural investment. These measures, he said, are intended to empower all land users - including women, youth, and persons with disabilities - to fully benefit from land reform.

ZLC Chairperson Commissioner Tendai Bare previously explained that the Land Information Management System (LIMS) was developed using data from the audit of State-owned agricultural land, excluding communal areas. She said the database was already helping to address historical problems of double allocations and multiple farm ownership.

"It was quite a bit of double allocations and we are dealing with it through dispute resolution. With this database, we will minimise double allocations because before a piece of land is allocated, its status will be established," Commissioner Bare said while presenting the audit report to President Mnangagwa at State House.

Commissioner Bare added that while some beneficiaries held more than one property - often small rural plots in addition to resettlement farms - the audit confirmed that most farmers continued to enjoy rights of occupation, use, exclusivity and ownership through offer letters and permits. However, certain rights such as disposal and acquisition remain vested in the State.

To translate audit recommendations into tangible results, Government has created the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, chaired by businessman Mr Kudakwashe Tagwirei. The committee is responsible for overseeing the issuance of title deeds, finalising outstanding surveys, resolving land disputes, and coordinating with the Surveyor-General and ZLC. It will also support programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, joint ventures, and agricultural loan access through the AFC Bank.

Prof Jiri said the committee provides a structured mechanism to ensure that CNALA's findings are effectively implemented to improve fairness, productivity, and food security.

By integrating the audit's digital data from LIMS with the committee's work, Government aims to consolidate the gains of land reform, promote responsible land use, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable agricultural growth.