Local farmer groups and collective action within fast track land reform in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Abstract Fast track land reform led to the restructuring of agrarian relations in Zimbabwe. This paper explores the emerging forms of local agency on selected A1 farms in Goromonzi and Zvimba. It analyses how A1 beneficiaries have formed local farmer groups (LFGs) and the extent to which these have contributed towards relieving farm production challenges that include the unavailability of productive assets, limited household labour and unavailability of inputs. Through case studies of local farmer groups this paper manages to examine the internal dynamics of local agency, the nature of participation and the extent to which these formations actually provide a relief to members and provide the first line of defence of the newly found land rights. The findings provide important clues regarding local agency in a context where lineage forms of organisation do not exist and in most cases ‘strangers’ from different places have been resettled next to each other. Keywords: land reformfarmer groupsfast trackcollective action Notes 1The Prime Minister's Directive of 1984–1985 provided for the creation of a hierarchy of representative bodies at village, ward and district levels. The local development committees – the Village and Ward Development Committees (VIDCOs and WADCOs), also composed of elected members – were charged with the responsibility of defining local development needs (Mutizwa-Mangiza Citation1985). These development committees were described as ‘democratic institutions of popular participation to promote the advancement of development objectives set by government, the community and the people’ (Alexander 2006, 108). 2Based on interviews with headmen at Dunstan and Buena Vista farms, September 2008. 3Zimbabwe is divided into five natural regions or agro-ecological zones. The first three (I–III) are suitable for intensive agriculture, while the other two (IV–V) are only suitable for limited extensive agriculture (heavily reliant on irrigation), livestock and game ranching. 4Based on interviews with Extension Officer, September 2008 and focus group discussions held at Dunstan Farm, September and October 2008. 5Dunstan focus group discussion notes 01/08, September 2008 6Interviews with Bromley area Extension Officer and Budiriro Maize Group Chairperson, June 2009. 7Salt Lakes is a multinational tobacco company that entered into an agreement with a consortium of mainly A2 farmers growing tobacco. Within the consortium one of the leading A2 farmers also acts as an agent for A1 farmers interested in growing tobacco. 8Interview with Chairperson of Salt-Lakes LFG, September 2008. 9Interview with Goromonzi District Extension Officer, August 2008. 10There were a number of subsidy initiatives developed mostly by the GoZ's Ministry of Agriculture and also the Reserve Bank. The Strategic Grain Reserve facility was developed and targeted at smallholders (and to lesser extent A2 farmers) who were willing to borrow loans at concessionary rates to purchase inputs. The Agri-bank instead of giving loans would proceed to purchase the inputs on behalf of the farmers and the Marondera branch insisted on lending only to smallholders within groups. 11Interview with Agri-Bank Branch Manager, November 2008. 12Agri-Bank 2006, Loan Agreement Form with Muswiti LFG. 13Interviews with Mr Hlophe, Agri-Bank Branch Manager, September 2008. 14Interviews with Budiriro and Muswiti chairpersons, September 2008. 15Budiriro, Muswiti, focus group discussions, September 2008. 16Muswiti, 01/08 focus group discussion notes, September 2008. 17Interview with Lot 3A Extension Officer, September 2008. 18Interview with Tagarika Chairperson, September 2008. 19Interview with Tagarika Chairperson, September 2008. 20Tagarika Focus Group Discussion Notes, September 2008. 21Tagarika Focus Group Discussion Notes, September 2008. 22They have used the 18 hectares close to the dam as a collective farm where they produce and market the wheat as a group. 23Interview with Tagarika Chairman, September 2008. 24Interview with Tagarika Chairman, September 2008. 25Interview with Bromley Ward 21–22 Extension Officer, June 2009. 26Tagarika, Focus Group Discussion Notes, September 2008. 27Interview with Village Head, August 2009. 28Interviews with Dalkeith Farm VIDCO Treasurer, August 2009. 29Interview with Chidziva Chairperson, September 2008. 30Interview with Chidziva Chairperson, September 2008. 31Interviews with Dalkeith Farm VIDCO Treasurer, August 2009. 32Chidziva Focus Group Discussion Notes, September 2008. 33Interview with Chidziva Farmers' Association Treasurer, August 2009. 34Interview with Chidziva Farmer Group, Chairperson, September 2008. 35Interview with Chidziva Chairperson, June 2009. 36Interview with Zhizha Secretary, Whynhill Farm, August 2008. 37Interviews with Extension Officer, September 2008. 38Interview with VIDCO Chairperson, August 2009. 39AREX, 2008, Whynhill Farm Wheat Deliveries Records. 40Interview with Extension Officer, August 2009. 41Interview with Zhizha Secretary, August 2008. 42Zhizha Focus Group Discussion Notes, September 2008. 43Interviews with Zhizha Secretary, September 2008. 44Interview with Zhizha Chairperson, August 2009. 45Chidziva and Zhizha Focus Group Discussion Notes, September 2008.