An Assessment of the Land Reform Policy and the Economic Empowerment of Indigenous Youth: A Case of Chipinge Rural District in Zimbabwe

Abstract

In 2000, the government of Zimbabwe embarked on the Fast Track Land Reform Programme that had far reaching results for the country and even beyond. The programme was launched in a rather controversial fashion that was often characterised by violent takeovers of white owned farms. Zimbabwean youth were actively involved in spearheading takeovers. The government announced the completion of the programme in 2002. It is in the aftermath of these takeovers in 2002 that many realities came to the fore. This study is an assessment of the land policy of the Zimbabwean government between 2000 and 2012. Guided by Deepa Narayan’s theory of empowerment, the study investigated the economic position of the indigenous youth of Chipinge district in the wake of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme. Using the qualitative research methodology, the study revealed that the majority of the indigenous youth in Chipinge district have not been significantly empowered economically by the land reform policy. This is so because of major challenges on all sizes of farms, from small scale farms to A2 farms, where occupants cite lack of government support especially in availing financial capital, farming inputs and security of tenure resulting in low production levels. However, on a positive note, the study revealed that almost all respondents were happy and satisfied that they owned land. There are increasing calls from many quarters for the need to support the farmers by availing funds and providing security of tenure for farmers. More significantly, the new constitution of Zimbabwe has clauses that seek to address the land issue. In addition, there is also a new government policy that is being circulated to make sure all government departments have a youth desk to address issues concerning the youth in all aspects of their lives.