Opinion

New entrants in Zimbabwe’s land reform areas

Published on 18 November 2024

Ian Scoones

Professorial Fellow

The demand for land in Zimbabwe was not resolved by the major land reform in 2000. Far from it. Many people missed out, and new generations too young to benefit from allocations nearly 25 years ago are seeking land for farming. With the urban economy continuing to contract and with limited formal jobs on offer, agriculture is seen by many as a relatively attractive and secure option. For this reason, we see many new plots being established in our study sites across the post-2000 resettlement areas, alongside people moving to farm in the old communal areas.

This short blog series focuses on ‘new entrants’, those who were not resident in the area before, and in some cases with no previous associations, although connections through kin and friendships are usually important in securing land. A later series will focus on young people, sons and daughters of land reform beneficiaries, who are also setting up homes and establishing farms.

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.

Read the full story on the Zimbabweland website

Disclaimer
The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of IDS.

Share

About this opinion

Region
Zimbabwe

Related content

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.