Diversification of sugar production in Zimbabwe: wealth accumulation from below by outgrowers

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyses the implications of the diversification of the sugar production occasioned by the land redistribution implemented in Zimbabwe since 2000 on wealth accumulation by sugar outgrowers. While the extensive land reforms altered the national agrarian structure it also widened participation in sugar production as more than 1,000 black land recipients were integrated as outgrowers of transnational capital. This study shows that wealth accumulation is noticeable through farm mechanisation. However, the exploitative nature of the schemes through pricing of inputs and outputs, as well as monopoly rents accruing to transnational capital tends to slow down the pace of accumulation.