Most of the huge ranches that took up much of Matobo district outside the crowded communal areas to the north were divided up during land reform. As in other areas there were medium-scale farms (A2 and so-called self-contained (SC)), aimed at commercial livestock production, themselves often quite large (ranging from 281 to 2000 ha) and A1 small-scale areas where mixed crop and livestock production was encouraged. Here around 5 ha was allocated for arable land, while livestock grazing was communal as part of ‘villagised’ schemes.
Matobo is a dry district with highly variable rainfall levels (average 550 mm), but with a coefficient of variation of 44%. The large areas that were previously white-owned extensive ranches are now divided up, with fences increasingly dividing the landscape. Livestock – particularly cattle – production still dominates, but within both A2/SC and particularly A1 farms, crop production (including irrigation) has increased. In this dry area, relying only on livestock or cropping is risky though and most combine agricultural activities with a wider portfolio. The proximity to South Africa means cross-border trade and work is important, and many of those who have taken over medium-scale A2/SC farms support their farms through off-farm businesses.
This article is from Zimbabweland, a blog written by IDS Research Fellow Ian Scoones. Zimbabweland focuses on issues related to rural livelihoods and land reform in Zimbabwe.