The Future of Zimbabwe's Agrarian Sector: Land Issues in a Time of Political Transition

This book examines the recent political developments in Zimbabwe and their impact on the agrarian sector, focusing on the liberalization of agricultural policy, productivity, vulnerable groups, land tenure arrangements, joint ventures, and land grabbing. It provides a new way of conceptualizing Zimbabwe's agrarian futures and is of interest to researchers, NGOs, and policymakers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the recent political developments in Zimbabwe and their profound implications for the agrarian sector. By employing fresh empirical data collected across the country, the contributors offer valuable insights into the liberalization of agricultural policy following the reign of President Robert Mugabe. The chapters explore the impact of adopting neo-liberal orthodoxy in agrarian policymaking on the emerging agrarian structure, examining key issues such as productivity, the consequences for vulnerable groups, evolving land tenure arrangements, joint ventures, and land grabbing. This book presents a novel perspective on shaping Zimbabwe's agrarian futures, making it an essential resource for researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and policymakers engaged in the politics of land and agriculture in Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region.

Introduction:
Zimbabwe, once known for its vibrant agricultural sector, has faced significant challenges in recent years. The country's political landscape has undergone a tumultuous transformation, marked by economic decline, political instability, and widespread social unrest. These developments have had a profound impact on the agrarian sector, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy and livelihoods.

Recent Political Developments:
The political developments in Zimbabwe have been characterized by a series of changes and challenges. The country's long-standing president, Robert Mugabe, was forced to resign in 2017 after a military coup led by his former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa's administration has since implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at revitalizing the country's economy, including the liberalization of agricultural policy.

Impact on the Agrarian Sector:
The liberalization of agricultural policy in Zimbabwe has the potential to bring about significant changes in the agrarian sector. The government has proposed a number of measures aimed at promoting private sector participation in agriculture, including the allocation of land to investors and the promotion of commercial farming. However, these measures have raised concerns among some stakeholders, particularly those who fear that the liberalization of agriculture will lead to the displacement of small-scale farmers and the erosion of traditional land rights.

Chapter 1:
In Chapter 1, the contributors examine the liberalization of agricultural policy after Mugabe. They explore the historical context of agricultural policy in Zimbabwe and the factors that led to the adoption of neo-liberal orthodoxy. The chapter also discusses the challenges and opportunities that the liberalization of agriculture presents for the agrarian sector.

Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 focuses on the impact of the liberalization of agricultural policy on productivity. The contributors analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of increased commercial farming and the potential impact on small-scale farmers. They also examine the role of technology and innovation in improving agricultural productivity and the challenges that farmers face in accessing these resources.

Chapter 3:
Chapter 3 explores the impact of the liberalization of agricultural policy on vulnerable groups. The contributors examine the potential consequences of land grabbing and the displacement of small-scale farmers. They also discuss the role the government has played in addressing these issues and the role that NGOs and other stakeholders can play in promoting social justice and equity in the agrarian sector.

Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 examines the changing land tenure arrangements in Zimbabwe. The contributors analyze the historical and legal context of land tenure in the country and the challenges that farmers face in accessing and managing land. They also discuss the role of land reform programs in addressing these issues and the potential impact on the new agrarian structure.

Chapter 5:
Chapter 5 explores the role of joint ventures and land grabbing in the agrarian sector. The contributors analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of these practices and the potential impact on small-scale farmers and the broader rural community. They also discuss the role of the government in regulating these practices and the role that NGOs and other stakeholders can play in promoting sustainable and equitable land use.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this comprehensive volume provides a valuable insight into the recent political developments in Zimbabwe and their profound implications for the agrarian sector. The contributors shed light on the liberalization of agricultural policy after Mugabe and explore the impact of these changes on the new agrarian structure, productivity, vulnerable groups, land tenure arrangements, joint ventures, and land grabbing. The book offers a new way of conceptualizing Zimbabwe's agrarian futures, making it an essential resource for researchers, NGOs, and policymakers interested in the politics of land and agriculture in Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region. By examining the complex interplay, this book contributes to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the agrarian sector in Zimbabwe and provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable and equitable land use.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367745011