Staff Reporter

A total of 2 500 beneficiaries of Zimbabwe’s land reform programme are set to receive title deeds by March 2025, as the Government accelerates efforts to address issues of multiple farm ownership, secure family inheritance, and create a structured exit mechanism for those wishing to relinquish their land.

Speaking on the progress, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, assured stakeholders that the Ministry was fully committed to ensuring a smooth process.

“After the launch in December last year, we are now expediting the issuing of the title deeds. Farmers must ensure that their details are correct as we proceed with the printing process,” Prof. Jiri said.

He emphasized that the Ministry’s technical department is diligently cleaning up the beneficiary list to avoid any delays.

The title deeds initiative, officially launched by President Mnangagwa on December 28, 2024, is part of a broader effort to grant full ownership rights to farmers.

Beneficiaries include 23 000 A2 farmers and 280 000 A1 farmers, with 13 000 farms already approved for title deeds.

A2 farmers holding 99-year leases are among the first to benefit from the programme.

Prof. Jiri explained, “We are now in the process of printing these title deeds for those 2,500 that we are working on.”

The move has been widely praised by farmers who see the issuance of title deeds as transformative.

Some A2 farmers hailed the development, highlighting the benefits of owning title deeds.

They noted that the documents would not only enhance their ability to secure loans and invest in their farms but also provide peace of mind for family inheritance.

“This is a game-changer for us. Having title deeds gives us confidence to invest in our farms and ensures our families can inherit the land without complications,” said Tawanda Govere of Shamva.

Meanwhile, Government’s land reform programme has faced challenges in the past, including disputes over land ownership and inadequate access to financial resources for farmers.

By providing title deeds, the initiative aims to address these issues and empower farmers with legal ownership of their land.