News / National
'Zimbabwe title deeds within Constitutional framework'
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The issuance of title deeds to A1 and A2 farmers, a policy introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year, is being carried out in full compliance with Zimbabwe's Constitution, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Dr. Anxious Masuka, confirmed during a National Assembly question and answer session last week.
Dr. Masuka explained that the government's decision to issue new title deeds stems from the fact that the country's Constitution, adopted in 2013, rendered the old titles held by former white commercial farmers before the fast-track land reform program obsolete. He pointed out that under the Constitution, land acquired by the State becomes State property, and once the land is alienated, a new title deed is issued.
"The State has taken the position to alienate State land for value. The title that is being given is a new title, and there is no reference to the old title, which was rendered obsolete and no longer has value. It is this new tenure document, the title deed, that is issued," Dr. Masuka said, urging Members of Parliament to familiarize themselves with the relevant sections of the Constitution (289, 293, and 295) that govern the issuance of such titles.
The minister reiterated that the title deeds issued to farmers serve as proof of ownership and are aligned with the country's legal framework. He emphasized that the new titles explicitly indicate that it is the government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, that is selling the land to beneficiaries.
Dr. Masuka also urged A1 and A2 farmers to take advantage of the policy and apply for their title deeds. The government's aim, he explained, is to provide security of tenure to farmers and enable them to access financing to support their agricultural operations.
"The experience we've had over the years is that financial institutions did not readily accept 99-year leases or offer letters as security of tenure. It is in this context that the President made the revolutionary step to grant the issuance of title deeds. Title deeds are the ultimate tenure documents, and with consultations from banks, they will be able to take these as collateral," he added.
As part of the ongoing rollout, Dr. Masuka highlighted that five banks are currently working within the Department of Lands at a one-stop center to offer mortgages for farmers seeking to purchase land or receive support to improve productivity. He expressed hope that more banks will follow suit and urged farmers who have already received title deeds to utilize them to access necessary funding.
As of the end of March 2025, over 13,000 farms had been surveyed and were eligible for title deeds, with more than 2,500 farmers already issued with the new documents.
The issuance of title deeds marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to empower local farmers and promote agricultural development, ensuring that beneficiaries have the legal security to access finance and improve their productivity.
Dr. Masuka explained that the government's decision to issue new title deeds stems from the fact that the country's Constitution, adopted in 2013, rendered the old titles held by former white commercial farmers before the fast-track land reform program obsolete. He pointed out that under the Constitution, land acquired by the State becomes State property, and once the land is alienated, a new title deed is issued.
"The State has taken the position to alienate State land for value. The title that is being given is a new title, and there is no reference to the old title, which was rendered obsolete and no longer has value. It is this new tenure document, the title deed, that is issued," Dr. Masuka said, urging Members of Parliament to familiarize themselves with the relevant sections of the Constitution (289, 293, and 295) that govern the issuance of such titles.
The minister reiterated that the title deeds issued to farmers serve as proof of ownership and are aligned with the country's legal framework. He emphasized that the new titles explicitly indicate that it is the government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, that is selling the land to beneficiaries.
"The experience we've had over the years is that financial institutions did not readily accept 99-year leases or offer letters as security of tenure. It is in this context that the President made the revolutionary step to grant the issuance of title deeds. Title deeds are the ultimate tenure documents, and with consultations from banks, they will be able to take these as collateral," he added.
As part of the ongoing rollout, Dr. Masuka highlighted that five banks are currently working within the Department of Lands at a one-stop center to offer mortgages for farmers seeking to purchase land or receive support to improve productivity. He expressed hope that more banks will follow suit and urged farmers who have already received title deeds to utilize them to access necessary funding.
As of the end of March 2025, over 13,000 farms had been surveyed and were eligible for title deeds, with more than 2,500 farmers already issued with the new documents.
The issuance of title deeds marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to empower local farmers and promote agricultural development, ensuring that beneficiaries have the legal security to access finance and improve their productivity.
Source - zimpapers
