Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa recently launched the new Land Tenure Implementation Programme in Kwekwe to bolster the land ownership model.
Under the programme, all land held by beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme under 99-year leases, offer letters and permits will be held under a bankable, registrable and transferable document.
Agriculture has long been the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s economy, central to livelihoods, national food security, and economic stability.
With the recent launch of the Land Tenure Implementation Programme, Government has signalled a renewed commitment to agricultural reform, addressing historical challenges of land tenure insecurity.
This policy is a game changer, providing farmers with the assurance of stable land ownership and enabling long-term planning.
The success of this initiative will, however, hinge on its integration with complementary strategies from the whole of Government approach, particularly strong Intellectual Property (IP) frameworks, robust research institutions, access to financing and support for agricultural education.
Together, these components form a dynamic matrix that aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS1), fostering sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food security.
The programme will provide farmers with security of tenure, transforming land into a bankable asset that can be used as collateral for loans.
This access to financing is critical for farmers, particularly smallholders, who often lack the capital needed to invest in essential agricultural inputs.
With secure tenure, farmers can confidently borrow to invest in mechanisation, irrigation infrastructure, fertilisers, and improved and plant varieties.
These investments, not only boost productivity, but also enhance the sector’s resilience to climate shocks.
However, to fully unlock the benefits of land reform, Zimbabwe must address the broader ecosystem of agricultural development, including innovation, education, and research.
Intellectual Property rights are central to modernising Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape.
Instruments like the Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants which came into force recently, established by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), provide a framework for safeguarding innovations in plant breeding.
By acceding to and implementing this protocol, Zimbabwe can encourage the development of new, high-yield, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
These innovations are essential for addressing the twin challenges of food security and climate change, both of which are central to the country’s National Development Strategy.
Furthermore, IP protections attract foreign investors and technology providers, fostering a competitive and vibrant agricultural sector.
At the same time, Zimbabwe’s agricultural policies must prioritise the preservation of traditional knowledge (TK).
For generations, Zimbabwean farmers have cultivated indigenous crops such as millet and sorghum, which are naturally resilient to drought and pests. Safeguarding this knowledge through IP frameworks, such as geographical indications or traditional knowledge registries, ensures that rural communities are compensated for their contributions, while preventing bio-piracy. Institutions such as the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and the National Archives can play a pivotal role in documenting and preserving this knowledge.
Integrating traditional knowledge into agricultural policy also aligns with international instruments like the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing and promoting sustainable development.
Research institutions such as the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC), universities and agricultural colleges are indispensable in this matrix.
These institutions serve as the engines of innovation, driving the development of improved farming techniques, pest-resistant crops, and sustainable land management practices. Zimbabwe’s agricultural colleges must prioritize training programs that equip farmers with the skills needed to adopt modern farming technologies and sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, research institutions should collaborate with farmers to ensure that innovations are context-specific and address local challenges.
For instance, partnerships between research bodies and smallholder farmers could lead to the development of hybrid seeds tailored to Zimbabwe’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Equally important is the role of extension services in disseminating knowledge and bridging the gap between research institutions and farmers. These services can help farmers understand the benefits of IP protection, register new plant varieties, and access financing opportunities.
Moreover, agricultural education should emphasize entrepreneurship, enabling farmers to view agriculture not just as a means of subsistence but as a viable business.
The joint impact of land tenure reform and strong IP frameworks directly supports the National Development Strategy.
One of the core objectives of NDS1 is to ensure food and nutrition security while fostering inclusive economic growth. By securing land rights, farmers gain the confidence to invest in long-term projects that enhance productivity and sustainability.
Meanwhile, IP protections incentivise innovation and ensure that both modern technologies and traditional knowledge contribute to the agricultural value chain.
Together, these strategies create a synergistic effect, boosting rural incomes, reducing poverty, and strengthening the country’s resilience to economic and environmental shocks.
Access to financing remains a critical enabler in this process. While secure land tenure provides a foundation, the availability of affordable credit determines whether farmers can scale up their operations.
Government, in partnership with financial institutions, must develop tailored financing products that cater to the needs of both smallholders and commercial farmers.
Subsidised loans, grants for purchasing equipment, and climate risk insurance could all play a role in mitigating the financial barriers that currently hinder agricultural growth in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural renaissance depends on the integration of these components into a cohesive strategy.
Land tenure reform, Intellectual Property rights, research and education, and access to financing are not isolated elements, they are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
When aligned with the objectives of the National Development Strategy, this matrix has the potential to transform Zimbabwe into a regional leader in agricultural innovation and food security.
The President’s vision is clear, which is a thriving agricultural sector that respects traditional knowledge, embraces modern technology and provides equitable opportunities for all farmers.
By committing to this vision, Zimbabwe can ensure, not only the sustainability of its agricultural sector, but also the prosperity of its people. This is a moment to seize, a chance to sow the seeds of progress and cultivate a future of abundance.
Lloyd Makonya, is a heritage practitioner with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe and a student of the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Master in Intellectual Property programme at Africa University. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on +263773791417 or [email protected]
