Story perspectives

Land Reform Boosts Zimbabwe's Smallholder Farmers' Productivity

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Institute of Development Studies finds Zimbabwe's land reform benefits smallholder farmers, with reformed areas yielding two to three times more maize than communal areas.
Farmers in reformed areas invest significantly in irrigation despite climate-change challenges and severe droughts.
The findings challenge the view that land reform failed and indicate increased productivity and investment.
Experts say secure land tenure is essential for climate action and could help smallholders adapt.

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Story summary

The Institute of Development Studies finds Zimbabwe's land reform benefits smallholder farmers, with reformed areas yielding two to three times more maize than communal areas.
Farmers in reformed areas invest significantly in irrigation despite climate-change challenges and severe droughts.
The findings challenge the view that land reform failed and indicate increased productivity and investment.
Experts say secure land tenure is essential for climate action and could help smallholders adapt.