Zimbabwe’s land reform dream has turned to dust for farmers bordering a mining conglomerate, as this industrial encroachment threatens their livelihoods. Tracy Mutowekuziva, CNRG programs manager, writes that it is a case of sowing fear while reaping despair as farmers face land, environmental, and human rights abuses.
In Zimbabwe, the resettlement of farmers marked a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards land reform and social justice. This transformative initiative launched to address centuries of colonial dispossession, aimed to restore ancestral land to Black Zimbabweans.
Farmers were relocated in phases—1984, 1995, and the chaotic 2000—under a government resettlement scheme that sought to empower local communities and promote agricultural development.
The resettlement of farmers in Manhize, Chirumanzi district of Midlands, Zimbabwe, also followed the same path. What began as a transformative initiative aimed at restoring land to Black Zimbabweans after decades of colonial dispossession, has turned on its head as farmers struggle for survival amid industrial encroachment.
Many of these farmers built their lives on plots ranging from 6 to 37 hectares, cultivating crops, and raising livestock. However, a new challenge has emerged with the establishment of Dinson Steel and Iron Company, fundamentally altering the landscape and livelihoods of these farmers.
It is a struggle pithing communal farmers against a mega iron and steel firm owned by a local subsidiary of Chinese firm Tsingshan, a cornerstone of Zimbabwe industrialization touted as Africa’s largest integrated steel plant.
Historical Context
The resettlement program was a critical part of Zimbabwe’s land reform efforts, aimed at rectifying historical injustices and redistributing land to the majority population. For many resettled farmers, this represented not just a place to live and work, but a chance to reclaim dignity and economic independence. Farmers invested in their land, adopting commercial agricultural practices that supported their families and contributed to local economies.
The Impact of Dinson Steel and Iron Company
Dinson Steel and Iron Company, a Chinese-owned enterprise, began operations in the region with promises of minimal disruption to local farming activities. Initially, the company assured that only 2 kilometers of land would be utilized for its operations. However, the reality has been starkly different.
Since 2021, more than 100 families from Manhize’s Mushenjere Village have lost their land to Disco’s operations, with some unable to farm since 2020. This situation undermines the very purpose of the resettlement scheme, which was designed to secure livelihoods for local communities.
Loss of Agricultural Land
Farmers who once thrived on their land now face insecurity and displacement. The encroachment of Dinson has led to the loss of arable land, forcing many families into financial hardship. The loss of farming opportunities not only affects individual families but also threatens food security in the region.
Environmental Concerns
The establishment of the steel company has also raised serious environmental issues. Reports of water pollution have surfaced, with raw sewage and cyanide contaminating local water sources. The Munyati River, a critical waterway for the surrounding communities, has seen a significant decline in water quality, resulting in the death of fish and other aquatic life. Villagers from Mushenjere and Kumboedza have expressed their concerns, highlighting the detrimental effects on both their health and livelihoods.
Community Response
In response to these challenges, affected community members, particularly women, have taken to the streets to voice their grievances. Despite staging demonstrations, their efforts have yielded little more than empty promises from authorities. Intimidation tactics have been reported, with community members warned against raising issues related to the company’s operations, framing their protests as detrimental to the President’s initiatives.
One villager narrated how any complaints to authorities have been politicized, “When we reported to the authorities, we were told that we are enemies of progress, and we were thwarting the President’s program. (Takataura Nyaya idzi asi vakuru vakatiudza kuti Murikuda kukanganisa program yaPresident)”
Lack of Accountability
Despite reporting environmental violations to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), little has been done to address their concerns. Promises of action—such as dust suppression measures—were only fulfilled temporarily, coinciding with inspections from the EMA. This pattern of neglect has left the community feeling powerless and unheard.
The Rise of Illegal Gold Panning
The industrial activities have also led to an influx of illegal gold panners in the region. These individuals engage in unregulated mining practices, often using hazardous substances like cyanide without proper disposal methods. This has not only contributed to environmental degradation but has also resulted in the death of cattle and other livestock, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local farmers.
The plight of the resettled farmers of Manhize serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding land reform, industrial development, and environmental stewardship. While the resettlement program aimed to empower local communities, the emergence of Dinson Steel and Iron Company has threatened the very foundation of these efforts.
As the community continues to grapple with loss, pollution, and intimidation, there is an urgent need for dialogue, accountability, and sustainable practices that honor the rights and livelihoods of those who have fought so hard to reclaim their land.
The voices of the farmers must be amplified, and their struggles recognized, to ensure that their families can thrive and that the promises of resettlement are not lost to the ambitions of industrial expansion.