Timber Industry Crisis: Reckoning With Land Reform Consequences

By Newton Mambande

Timber Industry Crisis: Reckoning With Land Reform Consequences

By Newton Mambande

HARARE – ZIMBABWE’S timber industry faces an existential crisis following the controversial fast-track land reform program initiated in the early 2000s. The program, which has drawn criticism from agrarian policy experts and economists, significantly impacted commercial forestry operations.

Border Timbers Limited lost approximately 33% of its productive commercial forestry plantations at Charter Estates in Chimanimani District to unauthorized occupants. These occupants have been repeatedly accused of starting destructive fires, while some reports suggest connections between certain settlers, political figures, and alleged illegal timber trading activities.

Industry-Wide Devastation

The timber sector’s challenges extend beyond Border Timbers. Allied Timbers (Pvt) Limited reported substantial financial losses at its Gwendingwe Estate and Runhohwani exotic plantations following politically-motivated farm invasions. Since 2003-2004, illegal gold mining operations have further degraded valuable plantations in Chimanimani and Mutasa districts, including Tarka, Stapleford, and Imbeza estates.

Economic and Social Consequences

The sector’s collapse has had far-reaching implications. Thousands of workers lost their livelihoods as operations were disrupted. Zimbabwe, once self-sufficient in timber products, now imports paper and wood products from China and South Africa. The economic damage extends to billions in lost revenue, exacerbating poverty in the Eastern Highlands region.

Internationally, the situation has strained Zimbabwe’s relations with key economic partners, including Germany, the UK, and US, due to concerns about property rights and sustainable land management practices.

Pathway to Recovery
Industry recovery requires several key interventions:

1. A comprehensive review of land allocations in the Eastern Highlands
2. Fair compensation mechanisms for affected timber companies
3. Development of a sustainable commercial forestry policy through government-industry collaboration
4. Stronger enforcement against illegal settlements and mining activities
5. Diplomatic efforts to rebuild international partnerships

Conclusion

Zimbabwe’s timber industry stands at a crossroads. Addressing policy shortcomings, providing restitution to affected businesses, and restoring law enforcement could help revive this vital sector. Such measures would not only benefit the national economy but also support vulnerable communities in the Eastern Highlands.

Newton Mambande is an entrepreneur and researcher with published academic work. Contact: newtonmunod@gmail.com or WhatsApp +263773411103