The proposed Zimbabwe Land Commission should be well-funded to have the desired impact, analysts have said.

University of Zimbabwe Agricultural Science and Agronomy lecturer Mr Obert Jiri said the Commission should be geared towards higher productivity.

“The idea is long overdue, especially when you look at issues like ensuring those on the land focus on production, and dealing with multiple farm ownership.

“It will, however, be a daunting task for the Commission to enforce the one-family, one-farm policy. Furthermore, operationalising it requires adequate funding, and this has been the biggest challenge Zimbabwe has faced when carrying out land audits.

“If sufficient funding is provided, then we will see improvements in areas such as productivity. Conversely, we risk having yet another white elephant if we do not provide adequate funding.”

An analyst with the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union who preferred anonymity said Government should also introduce production-enhancing legislation.

“I believe Government should place more focus on establishing vehicles that assist farmers get access to equipment, inputs and funding. While we welcome legislation of that nature (Land Commission Bill), the real challenge farmers face today is how they can improve productivity.

“Issues around powercuts, lack of funding and input shortages remain the biggest challenges for our farmers. Therefore, greater focus should be on ensuring all requirements are met so that we develop our agriculture.”