Farmer perceptions in Mashonaland East Province on Zimbabwe's agricultural land rental policy

The effectiveness of policy on tenure requires a strong buy-in from all stakeholders for its success. This study therefore sought to establish the perceptions of farmers on land rental policy using the knowledge, attitude and practice approach. The survey was conducted in Mashonaland East province, Zimbabwe, with a sample of 339, comprised of both A1 and A2 farmers. Knowledge for the farmers on rental policy were found to be good, attitudes were categorised mainly as fair and practice (adherence) scores were poor, though some significant differences existed for certain categories of farmers. Poor macro-economic conditions and land rental institutions as well as lack of political will accounted for the poor practices. Overall, the perceptions of farmers on land rental policy were regarded as fair, with significant differences among farmers not involved in rental markets, those renting-in and those renting-out. Results also showed that good rental policy knowledge did translate to good attitude, but good knowledge and attitudes did not translate to good practices. Establishment of effective implementing institutions is recommended.