Manicaland Report for Congress 2010

“When we pursue many of our dreams, they at first seem impossible, then over time they seem improbable and then, eventually when we summon the will they become inevitable.”

My report has to be broken up into three different groupings of individuals; firstly to the younger generation who have waited patiently for the last ten years for opportunity to learn and then apply their willingness and enthusiasm into agriculture. It is extremely encouraging, although, sometimes it may seem unethical to others that this group of individuals do not carry baggage and seem not to be a threat to the beneficiaries of this controversial land reform program.

There is the next grouping of individuals that through adverse circumstances have put their heads down, been through one of the world’s worst periods of inflation, have done very little capital rebuilding on their businesses, have been criticized by others because they are still farming, and besides not being given another alternative, have managed to survive and continue to farm in one form or another.

Finally, the third group of individuals, some who have been waiting for up to ten years and others as little as one month. These individuals have been treated with the utmost disrespect; have had most, if not all, of their assets stolen without any justification or support from a completely flawed judiciary system that our country has to offer. To this grouping, it may seem impossible at times and very improbable too, but it is inevitable that one day wrongs will be corrected.

Unfortunately, through all this time and with the different groupings of individuals as we are, it has caused animosity, bitterness and division amongst ourselves. If only all this energy can be put together towards one purpose, with one direction and that is to correct wrongs and to give  opportunity to rebuild our country.

Turning now to the commodities for the province:

The only increase in production in Manicaland has been in tobacco with some farmers receiving substantial returns on their investments, while others who are dry-land farmers not being able to repay their loans. This was mainly due to the very dry spell that Manicaland experienced in December and January.

Production is down due to the dry period experienced and due to the lack of financial support for farmers.

This is almost non-existent in Manicaland and this is apparent with the wheat, coffee, soya, and many other crops. This is mainly due to lack of finance from banks and other institutions that used to be able to finance crops and due to the continuation of farmers being evicted off farms.

Farmers are also being forced to sell stock to finance cropping programmes and cover other essential monthly expenses.

In general, farmers are unable to increase production for this next season, mainly due to liquidity problems and also due to high interest rates which are being charged for finance that may be available.