HARARE, ZIMBABWE | 9 February 2025 — In a landmark move to bolster food security and strengthen land tenure, the Government of Zimbabwe has rolled out a nationwide initiative to issue Title Deeds to farmers holding valid land tenure documents. The program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, aims to formalize land ownership and unlock economic opportunities for farmers.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Mr. Nick Mangwana, confirmed the development in a statement on via his official X (formerly Twitter) account earlier today, emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving long-standing land ownership uncertainties.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to empowering farmers with legally recognized Title Deeds, which are critical for securing investments, accessing credit, and driving agricultural productivity. Food security begins with land security,” Mangwana said.
Key Details of the Initiative
The program, jointly administered by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development and the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, targets holders of:
- Valid Offer Letters
- A2 Permits
- 99-Year Leases
- A1 Settlement Permits
- A1 Temporary Permits
- ALSA Leases
Payment Flexibility:
- Immediate Cash Payments: Farmers paying the full purchase price upfront will receive Title Deeds for surveyed farms within 72 hours.
- 90-Day Plan: A deposit secures processing, with deeds issued after full payment within 90 days (treated as cash equivalent).
- Mortgage Facility: Partnerships with banks are underway, with modalities to be announced soon.
How It Works
Farmers must visit the Harare One-Stop Centre at Makombe Complex (Block 2) to initiate the process:
- Documentation: Submit certified copies of ID/passport and tenure documents.
- Valuation: A Valuation & Estate Officer determines the purchase price.
- Agreements: Sign the Sale Agreement, Purchaser Declaration, and Lease Cancellation Consent (if applicable).
- Payment: USD $10 processing fee + purchase price (cash or deposit).
- Issuance: Clearance certificate and Title Deed provided upon full payment.
Why This Matters
Decades of tenure insecurity have hindered Zimbabwe’s agricultural potential, with many farmers unable to leverage land for loans or improvements. By converting leases and permits into legally recognized deeds, the government aims to:
- Boost investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s agribusiness sector.
- Enhance food security through incentivized farm investments.
- Support the national target of transforming agriculture into a $13 billion industry by 2030.
Decentralization Plans
While operations are currently centralized in Harare, Mangwana confirmed that services will expand to provincial hubs and key districts by mid-2025. “We’re prioritizing efficiency first. Once systems are optimized, no farmer will need to travel far to secure their deed,” he assured.
Reactions & Next Steps
Agricultural unions and farmers’ groups have welcomed the move, though some urge swift implementation of the mortgage facility. “Title Deeds are transformative, but access to affordable credit is equally critical,” said Tendai Moyo, President of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union.
Farmers are advised to prepare certified documents and visit the One-Stop Centre promptly to avoid delays.
For Assistance:
📍 Land Development & Administration Department, Block 2, Makombe Complex, Harare
📞 0719012035 | 0712236373
🌐 Follow @MOLAFWRD_Zim and @nickmangwana for updates.