Land redistribution is most necessary and unavoidable in
countries with a highly unequal distribution of land. Such is the case today in
Zimbabwe and in such a scenario the case for redistributing property rights
from the rich to the poor or from large-scale to small-scale farmers is strong for
the sake of conflict prevention, equity, economic growth, jobs, and poverty
reduction.
In Zimbabwe fairness is perhaps the most
important issue to worry about in our current land agenda due to the fact
that a handful of ZANU PF stalwarts and their associates have appropriated themselves
the best pieces of land. Today, as it was when the ‘white man’ controlled the
lands, the most fertile lands in the country are occupied by very large, sprawling farms that, on average, are
underused. Now there lies the difference between then and now – UNDERUSED!!!
The people of Zimbabwe have very strong feelings about how
and by whom the land is being used by because the overall area of land in a
country is fixed, and also because agriculture should be an important source of
income for many people. In Zimbabwe the matter of equity is particularly
pronounced when it comes to land because communities now feel that the land was
not equitably distributed to as many people as possible. A countryside
populated by small family farmers tilling the land would correspond in many
peoples’ minds to a system that is fair. This
is not the case in Zimbabwe after the land redistribution effort conducted by
ZANU PF.
As we have already learnt from our most recent history, unresolved
land issues will lead to violence, civil unrest, or even civil war especially
if we continue ignore them.
Mark my words, Land
Redistribution Part 2 is coming to Zimbabwe!! All those who benefited unfairly
from the ZANU PF land grab, don’t unpack your bags just yet!!!
Melusi
Sibanda – Information and Publicity Secretary ROHR Zimbabwe Bradford Branch
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