KEY POINTS
- Illegal farmland encroachment will face legal action.
- Urban growth must prioritize vertical expansion.
- Education 5.0 drives agricultural innovation in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka, has issued a warning to urban land barons to stop encroaching on agricultural land without following formal procedures.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College graduation ceremony Friday, Masuka said farmland adjacent to urban areas must be protected unless legally converted by relevant ministries.
Zimbabwe warns against illegal farmland encroachment
“There may be cases of criminality involving agricultural land being invaded by land barons,” Masuka said. “Policy is clear — conversion is only allowed through formal legal processes. Any illegal acts will be addressed through legal channels.”
Masuka urged cities to prioritize vertical expansion rather than sprawling developments that consume agricultural land critical for national food security.
Promoting agricultural technology and education
Masuka praised educational institutions for advancing agricultural innovation through the government’s Education 5.0 policy, which emphasizes human capital development, mechanization, and research to enhance food security.
“We applaud institutions contributing to mechanizing agriculture and fostering innovation,” Masuka said. “Continuous research and development are essential for achieving improved productivity and food security.”
At the graduation ceremony, 46 students completed their studies at the Zimbabwe Online Agricultural College. Masuka proposed renaming the institution to the Zimbabwe Agricultural College, reflecting its broader mission in advancing the agricultural sector.
Government prioritizes legal framework for land use
The warning against illegal land use highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmland amid rising urbanization pressures.
Masuka emphasized the importance of collaboration between ministries to ensure adherence to legal frameworks and protect land designated for agriculture.
By balancing urban growth and agricultural sustainability, Zimbabwe aims to secure food production while supporting economic development.
