According to the minister, the move was influenced by the fact that white commercial farmers have a proven track record. File photo Image by: PHILIMON BULAWAYO / REUTERS
The government of Zimbabwe has started issuing leases to the last remaining white commercial farmers.
The farmers to be given the leases are said to be of “strategic economic importance” and they were recommended by communities they operate in.
“We have, in fact, already started issuing leases to white commercial farmers after receiving recommendations that they must remain in their respective properties,” said Lands and Rural Resettlements Minister Sidney Mombeshora.
The move is a climb-down from Zanu-PF policy that all white commercial farmers be removed by the end of last year.
According to the minister, the move was influenced by the fact that white commercial farmers have a proven track record.
“We are giving the white farmers leases right away because we already know their production history on the properties [for which] they were recommended to stay,” said Mombeshora. Zimbabwe is faced with food shortages owing to bad rains and reduced productivity.
