Farmers across Zimbabwe celebrate 45 years of freedom today. Many share stories about economic gains through land reform programs. The fight for independence started partly because colonial rulers took fertile land from local people. After nearly five decades of self-rule, native farmers grow high-value crops like tobacco, blueberries, and citrus fruits.
More than 133,000 registered growers produce tobacco, which used to belong only to white farm operations. Farmer Mayiwepi Jiti said independence brought many achievements for agriculture, including youth and women's advancement. She mentioned title deeds, credit access, and market freedom. The government made special efforts to help small farmers increase productivity through irrigation and equipment programs.
According to Frank Kubvakacha from the Coalition of Agricultural Graduates, young farmers appreciate these changes. He said returning land to its rightful owners fixes long-standing inequality. Shadreck Makombe from the Commercial Farmers Union noted that farmers moved from growing food just for themselves to selling crops commercially. Farmers want affordable funding to increase production on their fields.
More than 133,000 registered growers produce tobacco, which used to belong only to white farm operations. Farmer Mayiwepi Jiti said independence brought many achievements for agriculture, including youth and women's advancement. She mentioned title deeds, credit access, and market freedom. The government made special efforts to help small farmers increase productivity through irrigation and equipment programs.
According to Frank Kubvakacha from the Coalition of Agricultural Graduates, young farmers appreciate these changes. He said returning land to its rightful owners fixes long-standing inequality. Shadreck Makombe from the Commercial Farmers Union noted that farmers moved from growing food just for themselves to selling crops commercially. Farmers want affordable funding to increase production on their fields.
