Zimbabwe, anticipation of economic and humanitarian needs : land reform in Zimbabwe, problems and prospects

Planning for land reform by a newly independent African government is bound to contain some measures that will be perceived negatively by certain groups, black and white, in Zimbabwe. The central issues are: to describe the inequities in the present system of land allocation between Africans and Europeans in Zimbabwe and to put forward a proposed model of land reapportionment that would bring about an equitable system of land distribution. This would remedy problems in living conditions which Africans have suffered due to land scarcity. There is an urgent need for changes in Zimbabwe"s peasant agriculture. Sound programmic planning for land reform, however, requires a more thorough knowledge of the three types of African agricultural settlements: Tribal Trust Lands, Purchase Areas, and Irrigation Schemes. Tribal Trust Lands account for the largest number of African cultivators whose style of life has undergone fewer changes than those in other settlement types. Population density is highest in these settlements, but traditional socio-cultural values hold sway and strong resistance to relocation is likely to be expressed. The agriculture here is rudimentary and no substantial agricultural surplus is produced. Purchase areas appear to be receptive to improved farming techniques and economic incentives.