Understanding Zimbabwe’s Land Title Deeds: Benefits and Eligibility
by Wanzi Marungwara
The Zimbabwean government has introduced a groundbreaking Land Title Deeds Programme aimed at transforming land ownership, improving tenure security, and unlocking financial opportunities for farmers. Spearheaded by President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, the initiative is set to address long-standing issues around land use, financing, and agricultural development while empowering Zimbabwean citizens to thrive economically.
Under this programme, farmers will have the opportunity to purchase land under favorable terms. Land values are primarily determined by agro-ecological regions, with Regions One and Two, known for higher rainfall, priced higher. In contrast, land in drier regions like Region Five . Secondary factors, including land use classification, proximity to towns, water access, and improvements, also influence pricing. To ensure inclusivity, traditional farm valuation methods have been revised to provide substantial discounts, making land ownership accessible to all.
Eligibility for the issuance of title deeds extends to all Zimbabwean citizens holding offer letters, permits, or leases for agricultural purposes. A stringent screening process has been activated to eliminate fraudulent claims, ensuring the integrity of the programme. The process for obtaining a title deed is straightforward and automatic for qualifying individuals. It includes verification through a national landholder database, prioritization of surveyed land and 99-year leases, signing of sale agreements, and registration through the Deeds Registry with the assistance of Government Conveyancers.
The government has partnered with financial institutions to facilitate the purchase of agricultural land through affordable mortgage options. Farmers will receive title deeds upon full payment or under agreed mortgage terms with designated banks, which will announce further details. Title deeds can be issued to individuals or jointly to spouses, but not to companies or family trusts, in adherence to the “one family, one farm” principle.
Farmers who wish to have their farms surveyed for title deed issuance can request assistance through Provincial Lands Offices. Surveys will cover entire farms rather than individual subdivisions, encouraging collaboration among agricultural landholders. An alternative method under review involves using existing farm survey maps with GPS coordinates to expedite the process.
The programme also outlines procedures for disposing of land after obtaining a title deed. The government retains the right of first refusal for any land offered for sale. If it declines to purchase, a “Certificate of No Present Interest” will be issued, allowing for a secure transfer to new buyers while protecting the interests of both parties.
Leaseholders under the Small-Scale Commercial Farming Scheme (Matenganyika) or other commercial farming arrangements can qualify for title deeds by presenting their lease documents, proof of full payment, and national identification at Provincial Lands Offices. Farmers with outstanding payments can settle their balances or seek financial assistance from partnered banks to secure their titles.
This Land Title Deeds Programme is a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s agricultural and economic transformation. It enhances land tenure security, promotes equitable ownership, and empowers farmers with access to financial resources. By addressing key challenges in land use and ownership, the initiative provides a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural growth and long-term economic development in Zimbabwe.
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