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Munesu Nyakudya Harare Bureau
The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme are set to provide a combined 5.24 million euros to support the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement in efforts to unlock potential in agriculture.

The European Union will put up 4.74 million euros; and the United Nations Development Programme 500,000 euros. The European intervention, which was launched last week by the government and the two development partners, will run until December 2017.

The project seeks to assist the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement to improve the regulatory framework and management of the land, a move which can subsequently contribute to the revival of agriculture as a key driver for economic and social development in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the launch of the project. Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement Douglas Mombeshora, said the project would capacitate the Ministry to carry out its mandate of land administration

“When you look at the expected output for the project; that is, updated database, compensation mechanism, survey control network and survey of A2 farms, dispute resolution and capacitating the Zimbabwe Land Commission; you’ll note that they’re in line with Ministry objectives of providing security of tenure and ensuring improved livelihoods of all Zimbabweans through equitable and fair land distribution.

“As the Ministry, we’re pleased with progress made to date. Equipment such as vehicles, computers and GPS have been availed, our staff was trained and field work is being undertaken. We’re grateful to EU and UNDP for this support and look forward to fruitful future partnerships,” he said.

EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Philippe Van Damme said the project has the potential to help Zimbabwe to return to being the bread basket of Africa.

The EU Ambassador also encouraged the government to address some of the outstanding issues such as compensation of acquired land and the drafting of the new land Commission Bill, through an inclusive and participatory process.

The UNDP Resident Representative Bishow Parajuli said UNDP was convinced that there will be a ripple effect to other sectors of the economy, as the agriculture sector has huge potential to contribute to national Gross Domestic Product, poverty eradication and sustainable development in the country.