Policy experts have observed that land reform and administration are essential for the transformation of SADC member countries and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking at a two-day High-Level Policy Dialogue on Land Policy Reform and Social Economic Transformation in Southern Africa organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) that was held in Gaborone Botswana last week, participants observed that efficient management of land was essential for inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and socio-economic transformation and creation of opportunities for all citizens.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Government ministries responsible for land and agriculture, SADC, COMESA, academia and research, among others.
The dialogue also observed that there were a number of variables that were impinging on the attainment of benefits associated with land reform. These include lack of access and rights to land by marginalised groups, ownership, underutilisation, climate shift and policy harmonisation.
The dialogue is held when Zimbabwe is yet to have maximum benefit from its land reform programme mainly due to issues highlighted above and the manner through which the programme was implemented.
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