From promised land to perilous plight : unpacking tensions, contestations and marginalisation in resettlement schemes of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Phase 1 of the Land Reform Programme soon after independence redistributed land previously owned by white farmers to the majority of black Zimbabweans. In understanding this phase, previous studies have emphasised on how it was structured, the tenure systems, the beneficiaries and land use patterns. However, the existing socio-political landscape, livelihoods and well-being of resettled farmers have been understudied. This article examines tensions between resettled farmers and illegal settlers using empirical qualitative data from a case study in the Nyajezi resettlement scheme, Nyanga District. The article presents new forms of conflicts, contestations and marginalisation in resettlement schemes.