CFU speaks out on land, compensation
http://www.theindependent.co.zw/
April 19, 2013 in News
THE Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) this week called on government to honour
its obligations to compensate commercial farmers who lost properties during
Zanu PF’s chaotic fast-track land reforms as the first step in restoring
normalcy and full production in the under-performing agricultural sector.
By Staff Writer
Speaking to the Zimbabwe Independent in Harare on Monday, CFU president
Charles Taffs and his deputy Peter Steyl dismissed as “falsehoods” stories
alleging the organisation had made a dramatic U-turn on its opposition to
the chaotic land reform and now wanted to be considered for land
re-distribution by government.
“Contrary to claims that we never applied for the land, the truth is that we
applied to be considered as well,” said Taffs.
“Over a thousand applications (were sent) to (Agriculture) Minister (Joseph)
Made, but we did not get even a single response; not even an acknowledgement
letter.”
The CFU lamented the collapse of the once productive agricultural sector
which was triggered by various factors attributable to the wholesale
expropriation of land without compensation.
They said their organisation had always accepted the need for land reform,
but stressed the need to fully compensate dispossessed land owners instead
of nationalisation and mass expropriation that took place.
“Fourteen years after the start of the fast-track (land reform) programme,
people have access to land, but they cannot raise the capital to farm.
Production has consequently fallen and many farms lie idle,” said Taffs.
“There can be a skills transfer and co-operation between the current land
owners and the former owners, but the starting point is an acknowledgement
by government that there is a conflict over the land,” he said.
Taffs called for a resolution to the conflict between beneficiaries of the
programme and CFU members who lost land, but still retain title deeds.
“Those people with the land are in a trap because the lack of secure tenure
prevents them from raising capital. Instead of achieving viability many of
these farmers have now become contract farmers beholden to those who give
them inputs and also set prices for their produce,” said Taffs.
He said authorities were aware of the problems in the agricultural sector
and CFU’s proposals to tackle them, but meaningful progress is being
hampered by political posturing ahead of this year’s crucial general
elections.