The generational questions after land reform in Zimbabwe: a social reproduction perspective

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a contemporary perspective on post land reform Zimbabwe with special focus on the youth. It uses the social reproduction conceptual framework to show that two decades after land reform, there are generational questions which are now arising in the new resettlement areas which need deeper, empirical and more nuanced analysis to comprehend. In a context where some countries in Southern Africa are grappling with the best ways of dealing with their land questions, it shows that from a youth perspective, the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) has important lessons. Design/methodology/approach The study was largely qualitative and grounded in an interpretive research paradigm. It employed various data gathering instruments and solicited for responses from 151 young people as well as 11 key informants. The study used the social reproduction perspective as a conceptual and evaluative tool to ascertain the outcomes of the FTLRP from a social reproduction perspective with special focus on young people. Findings The study showed that there are some young people in the resettlement areas who blame the land reform programme for the challenging socio-economic situation which they are facing. It also shows that for the youth, the FTLRP has had multi-dimensional impact; while some are complaining, others have managed to use their agency to access natural resources and land, which has seen them “accumulating from below”. For some young people, land reform has positively transformed their lives, while others feel that it has limited their opportunities. Originality/value The paper provides new and contemporary insights on post land reform Zimbabwe. This is an area which is increasingly gaining traction in scholarship on the FTLRP. In addition, the paper provides a unique perspective of looking at the issue of the youth from a social reproduction perspective; this is a unique academic contribution. Lastly, the paper is useful insofar as it transcends the debates on the FTLRP to proffer a unique analysis on the social reproduction dimensions of the FTLRP.

Succession Planning and the Sustainability of the Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe

“…As a consequence, some have continued to rely on the commercial A2 farms for seasonal or casual employment (Shonhe et al, 2020). This finding reinforces Chipato et al’s (2020) and Chipenda and Tom’s (2020) observations that FTLRP had brought mixed fortunes. While the programme had been viewed as having enhanced the productive capacities of individuals and positively transformed their lives, others felt it had limited their opportunities (Chipenda, 2020).…”

“…In the Zimbabwean context, although literature has long revered the significant role played by the land reform programme in fighting colonially induced land ownership inequalities, poverty and the quest to promote empowerment of local communities (Chaumba et al, 2003; Chingarande et al, 2012; Moyo, 2007, 2013; Munemo, 2016; Scoones et al, 2010), there has not been much scholarly inquiry on post-settlement issues, especially farm succession. However, recently a few attempts at considering the phenomenon have been discernible (Chipato et al, 2020; Chipenda and Tom, 2020; Scoones et al, 2019). Although these may not have looked at issues from our own perspective, they provide insights from a youth and generational perspective that is critical for the succession discourse.…”

The Youth and Land Access Challenges: Critical Reflections from Post-Fast Track Land Reform Zimbabwe

“…It is premised on concerns that a growing youth population without land has emerged alongside a failing economy, high unemployment and less lucrative migration destinations locally, regionally and internationally. The youth are increasingly demanding their 'generational dividend' pertaining to political and economic space (Chipenda 2020a;Chipenda and Tom 2019). Within and beyond Zimbabwe, the central question is what role can the youth play in the agricultural transformation of postcolonial African countries?…”

Motivational factors into agriculture as a career path: narratives of Black emerging farmers as entrepreneurs in South Africa

“…This study made ongoing efforts to restory the narrative around agriculture on the African continent (Chipenda and Tom, 2020;Green, 2018). This study sets an essential platform for policy ramifications.…”

“…Black farmers during the apartheid period were in the minority, were mostly mistreated and often not enjoying the same privileges as their White counterparts (Vink and Van Zyl, 1998). In the present day, the picture of Black farmers across South Africa's neighbour, Zimbabwe, has been a valuable lesson and study for African countries (Chipenda and Tom, 2020;Green, 2018).…”