CLOSING GENDER ASSET GAP IN LAND ACCESS AND CONTROL IN A1 SCHEMES IN ZIMBABWE

CLOSING GENDER ASSET GAP IN LAND ACCESS AND CONTROL IN A1 SCHEMES IN ZIMBABWE

TAVONGA NYAYA

The study reflected on the impact of the fast track land reform programme, 2000-2002 on the
distribution of land between men and women in A1 resettlement areas in Zimbabwe. Throughout the discourse
on the land reform programme, the virtues of land transfer have been extensively extolled while ignoring its
impact on gender relations and gender asset gap.
The study used a national quantitative baseline survey and qualitative data collected in Goromonzi District.
Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observations and documentary analysis so
as to triangulate the evidence. This dataset was used to complement findings from statistical analysis of the
survey data.
The chi-square tests on survey data and findings from the case study conducted in Goromonzi District
did not show evidence of discrimination against women under the fast track land reform programme. Instead,
women tended to obtain more rights to land through two avenues: obtaining land as individuals in their own
right and through the joint registration of offer letters with their husbands. The results showed that women
beneficiaries obtained the same land rights as men in terms of land use patterns.
The study recommended that allocation of land under the land reform programme should focus on individuals
within households. Government officials directly involved in the design, planning and implementation of the
land reform programme should be trained in gender analysis and participatory gender planning. Methods
should be devised to inform women about their land rights and the avenues through which these rights can be
enforced

IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS)

2014