Zimbabwe’s Command Agriculture: Problems of Planning Under Neoliberalism

Abstract

This article examines the impacts of Zimbabwe’s Command Agriculture (CA) program, a state-driven cereal production model implemented since 2016. In the context of the neglect of cereal crops by African states generally under the accumulation strategies of international and domestic capital, and in the face of persisting neoliberal strategies led by international agencies such as the World Bank, the Zimbabwe experience continues to provide insights into the problems and prospects of planning under neoliberalism. In the case of CA, the Government of Zimbabwe intervened to bolster maize production, which had remained underfunded. The study shows a distinct correlation between national food self-sufficiency and, to some extent, economic stability and growth under state intervention and planning. This suggests that the CA program, as well as other planning initiatives, can stimulate economic growth and development if well managed. It illuminates how farmers were recruited and mobilized under CA and attempts to identify the weaknesses and challenges of the program. We posit that state planning in cereal production poses a threat to neoliberalism and the hierarchical international food system, and is an important step toward attaining national sovereignty.

Assessing Land Management Strategies and Social Implications of PLAS Beneficiaries in Mahikeng, South Africa

“…We consider it an effort in futility if the scheme's objectives are not realised because of ineffective land utilisation. Thus, the case of FTLRP in independent Zimbabwe readily comes to mind, whereby poor agricultural outputs were recorded despite interventions (Mazwi, Chemura, Mudimu & Chambati, 2019). Accordingly, there were studies, including Antwi & Oladele (2013) in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality; Antwi and Nxumalo (2014) in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, all in North-West Province, undertaken in the past.…”