Women and Land Tenure Dynamics in Pre-Colonial, Colonial, and Post-Colonial Zimbabwe

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, women produce between 60 and 80 percent of agricultural foodstuffs and cash crops. Yet, in many parts of the African continent, women lack legal access to land and support services for production and distribution. As a result, women are frequently left to provide for their depen­dents without adequate agricultural, educational, institutional, and financial support. Based on an analysis of the historical development of women's access to land within the two major ethnic groups in present-day Zimbabwe, this paper argues that action should be taken in three broad areas. First, legal barriers to women's land rights must be challenged. Second, women have to be provided full extension and support services tailored to their needs. Third, support must be given to non-govern­ mental organizations ,and movements that actively promote women's land rights.