There are about 1,000 migrants on a waiting list for land in Zimbabwe, according to the government, which now says future land will be allocated only to able-bodied farmers.
This means that potential farmers on the waiting list for state land will undergo rigorous screening to ensure their capabilities.
The need for auditing comes after it became clear that some of the lands allocated to their owners under the agrarian reform programme were not being used adequately, while others had abandoned their farms.
The Herald reports that there are currently 270,000 Zimbabweans living in the country,
10,000 diaspora farmers are on the waiting list for land allocations, but while redistribution continues, it is unlikely to meet their needs. The focus now is on linking good landless farmers in joint ventures with those who own land.
Land redistribution is an ongoing process to ensure maximum utilization of Zimbabwean farms.
Prof. Obert Jere, Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the audit was necessary as some previous beneficiaries of land reform were found to be unproductive.
He said the aim of the audit and verification process is to ensure that land is allocated to the right people.
Those on the waiting list will be allocated abandoned or underutilised farms, Professor Jerry said, adding that joint ventures are encouraged as they provide a platform for transferring and harnessing skills to boost rural industrialisation.
“These shared facilities are practical solutions we are exploring to foster partnerships in agribusiness that ensure productivity. Not everyone will get land because there are a large number of people on the waiting list. Those who still want land can register and join the waiting list because it is their right.
“So far, land is not available, so we urge land seekers to enter into joint ventures and partnerships to allow more people to venture into agriculture.”
