African Journal of Sexuality and Gender Studies | 02 February 2004

Women's Land Rights and Agricultural Policies in Zimbabwean Villages: A Legal Perspective

K, a, t, h, r, y, n, M, p, h, a, h, l, e, l, e, ,, T, h, e, m, b, a, N, k, o, t, s, h, a, b, i, ,, R, a, c, h, e, l, S, m, i, t, h
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18800261

Abstract

In Zimbabwean villages in South Africa, women's land rights are often contested due to historical and cultural influences. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis of existing laws and regulations. Women in the sampled villages reported significant challenges, including limited inheritance rights (30%) and unequal decision-making power over land use (45%). Current policies do not adequately protect women's land rights, leading to disparities in agricultural productivity between genders. The government should enact comprehensive legislation that grants equal inheritance rights and mandates gender-sensitive agricultural development programmes.