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Zimbabwe Moves to Return Some Seized Farms
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Zimbabwe Moves to Return Some Seized Farms

By Al Jazeera·Edited by Editor TO·

Zimbabwe is resolving longstanding land disputes stemming from its 2000s farm seizures and allowing some farms to change hands. The move covers three groups: 67 farms protected by bilateral investment agreements will be returned to foreign investors; 840 properties officials say were mistakenly acquired will be restored to Black Zimbabwean owners; and 409 white farmers who remained alongside beneficiaries will be granted an opportunity to buy the land they occupy. Officials insist this is not a reversal of land reform, but an attempt to resolve legal disputes and strengthen investor confidence. The policy could benefit foreign investors, Black Zimbabwean owners whose farms were acquired in error, and some long-standing white farmers. However, it could create uncertainty for war veterans and land reform beneficiaries who fought for redistribution. In the longer term, clearer property rights could support agricultural investment, but the government must balance legal obligations with the political symbolism of land reform.