there are so many things running about in my mind i'd like to say about this but i refrain; 

 

The Zimbabwean government says it is returning 67 farms seized during the controversial land reform programme.

This decision marks a major policy shift. Furthermore, officials hope it will rebuild relations with Western countries.

The farms belong to nationals from Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Previously, those countries signed bilateral investment protection agreements with Zimbabwe before the land seizures.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka confirmed the process had already started.

“We are in the process of returning those to them,” Masuka told Members of Parliament.

Land Reform Triggered Economic Collapse

Zimbabwe launched its fast-track land reform programme in 2000. Consequently, the government seized thousands of white-owned commercial farms.

Authorities argued the programme would address colonial-era land inequalities. In addition, they aimed to resettle landless Black Zimbabweans.

However, the programme severely damaged the economy. Commercial agriculture, once Zimbabwe’s economic backbone, collapsed.

As a result, food production declined sharply. The country then entered a deep economic crisis..........more........