Effects of land privatization on community livelihoods: A case of Mackenzie Point Conservancy in Mola Ward 4 Nyaminyami Kariba.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of land privatisation on the livelihoods of Mola ward 4 community after the establishment of Mackenzie Point Conservancy along the Khotakhota Narrow in Nyaminyami Kariba. Particular attention was given to examine how the conservancy was established, the positive effects it brought, the challenges being faced by Mola ward 4 community as well as recommendations. A sample of thirty (30) respondents that is eleven Mola ward 4 community leaders, eighteen Mola ward 4 community members and one NRDC official were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was collected using structured and unstructured interview, questionnaires. The research adopted a Sustainable Livelihoods Approach propounded by Robert Chambers in the analysis of the effects of land privatisation to the livelihoods of Mola Ward 4 community. The study results showed that there was no community participation during the establishment of Mackenzie Point Conservancy. Hence, a top down approach was adopted. The results also showed that despite, the set up being top down, community benefited from employment creation, infrastructure development, trainings, and bursaries among other benefits which have positively impacted on their livelihoods. However, from the analysis done, costs of the establishment of Mackenzie Point Conservancy virtually privatising Khotakhota Narrow outweigh the benefits. It was noted that land privatisation in Mola ward 4 contributed to serious displacement of people, seizure of productive land, increased human animal conflict among other effects. Therefore, in order to ensure successful land privatisation, the study recommended that policy makers should involve the grassroots during the planning stages, encourage diversification among other recommendations. Finally, the study concluded that the costs of land privatisation incurred in Mola ward 4 outweighed the benefits accrued, a situation which triggered vandalism of the conservancy.