Government Fast-Tracks Title Deed Issuance for Land Reform Beneficiaries: Critical Analysis

The Zimbabwean government has enlisted private surveyors to speed up title deed issuance for land reform beneficiaries (image source)

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has enlisted private surveyors to accelerate title deed issuance for land reform beneficiaries, targeting a June 30, 2026 completion date, Minister Anxious Masuka told the National Assembly. While the engagement of private expertise promises speed, questions linger over capacity, cost controls, and regulatory oversight in this new public–private partnership.

Minister Masuka projects that 24,000 Model A2 farmers and 360,000 Model A1 beneficiaries will receive deeds once their properties are surveyed. Many of these farms remain uncharted after years of delays. Model A1 beneficiaries typically secure smaller plots—raising complexities in high-density zones—while Model A2 farms cover larger tracts, demanding more extensive resources and time for accurate surveying.

To streamline processing, the Ministry opened a one-stop centre at Makombe Complex to handle tenure document verification, dispute resolution, survey confirmation, payment processing, data capture, price determination, and conveyancing finalisation. Despite centralisation, stakeholders report long queues and staffing gaps.

The government offers two payment schemes for beneficiaries: a 5 percent cash discount for full payment within 90 days and a 5 percent rebate on a 12-month credit facility, payable after settlement. These incentives aim to spur compliance but may penalise poorer farmers who lack access to capital or formal credit.

Masuka emphasised the use of modern technology to expedite surveys but provided few details on platforms or providers. Potential tools include drone mapping, GPS-enabled devices, and geospatial information systems (GIS). Analysts, however, express concern that without published performance indicators or oversight mechanisms, the Ministry may fail to ensure quality standards, prevent cost overruns, and guard against corruption in private-sector contracts.

The initiative to formalise land ownership represents a crucial step for rural development and agricultural productivity. Title deeds can unlock credit, investment, and tenure security—key drivers of economic growth. Yet history warns of underfunded programmes, administrative inertia, and contested land rights that could undermine progress if systemic issues remain unaddressed.