Section 289: Principles guiding policy on agricultural land

In order to redress the unjust and unfair pattern of land ownership that was brought about by colonialism, and to bring about land reform and the equitable access by all Zimbabweans to the

country’s natural resources, policies regarding agricultural land must be guided by the following principles—

    (a) land is a finite natural resource that forms part of Zimbabweans’ common heritage;

    (b) subject to section 72, every Zimbabwean citizen has a right to acquire, hold, occupy,

use, transfer, hypothecate, lease or dispose of agricultural land regardless of his or her

race or colour;

    (c) the allocation and distribution of agricultural land must be fair and equitable, having

regard to gender balance and diverse community interests;

    (d) the land tenure system must promote increased productivity and investment by

Zimbabweans in agricultural land;

    (e) the use of agricultural land should promote food security, good health and nutrition

and generate employment, while protecting and conserving the environment for future

generations;

    (f) no person may be deprived arbitrarily of their right to use and occupy agricultural land.