Zimbabwe: land reform and resettlement: assessment and suggested framework for the future

Interim report on progress with Zimbabwe's fast track programme of land reform, with recommendations on future policy.Recommendations include: Moratorium on changes in existing laws and regulations until a comprehensive land policy can be developedA major effort is required to promote the improvement and growth of agricultural production and service linkages between industry and agriculture in the context of a restructuring of the rural sector. The report suggests that those factors that constrain the growth of agricultural exports and manufacturing be addressed as a matter of urgency in order to return balance to the economy as a wholespecial care will need to be taken to ensure that the development of land for agriculture will not endanger the long-term sustainability of the cleared areas and of the adjacent watercourses. Where environmental difficulties arise alternative energy source (perhaps supported by some kind of subsidies) should be considered. In addition, any resettlement plan should ensure the preservation of adequate refuge areas for Zimbabwe’s rich natural flora and fauna. It is suggested that improvements of environmental policy should include encouraging new settlers to engage in various natural-resource enterprises, including eco-tourism.support for rural development should include support for the development of communal areas to stimulate growth rather than to focus only decongestion.a secure land tenure instrument to avoid problems with the land market (and associated credit access), arbitrary change in Government policy and nepotism the Government ensure that settlers are provided with adequate extension services in all aspects of agricultural and livestock productionthe current Agricultural Development Assistance Fund (the only institution with a broad mandate for agricultural credit for small-scale agriculture and with an extensive branch system) be established as an independent, semi-public credit institution to serve small-scale farmersthe rights of farm workers should be explicitly addressed, especially for those those displaced from gainful full-time or part-time jobs in the large farm areas, or who need support in formalizing their citizenship and/or rights to land in resettlement or communal areaselaboration of policy on equitable gender-based land rights, providing it with a firm legal basis, operationalize it, and mobilising capacity to ensure its implementation and effective monitoringcreate a framework for improved humanitarian support and social services to assist those affected by food insecurity, the breakdown of fostering systems for HIV/AIDS orphans, and the spread of HIV infection during the implementation of the land reform and resettlement programParrallel improvements in capacity to manage any such programme are required. The report suggests the establishment of a Land-Reform and Resettlement Board or Land Commission.The report suggests establishing an independent trust fund, which UNDP would be willing to manage. The fund would have two components, the first to provide resources for the resettlement process including basic infrastructure on acquired land equipment and tools, extension services as well as training and support to capacity building and technical assistance to the Government. The second will provide direct compensation to farmers for land acquired, for resettlement and improvement, including infrastructure as well as support for displaced farm workers.