'I am a paramount chief, this land belongs to my ancestors': the reconfiguration of rural authority after Zimbabwe's land reforms. (22nd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mkodzongi, Grasian
• Is Part Of: Review of African political economy. Volume 43(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 114
• Publication Date: 2016-08-22
• Subjects: Chiefs -- fast track land reform -- indigenisation -- Mhondoro Ngezi -- ZANU PF -- Zimplats; Chefs -- fast track land reform -- indigénisation -- Mhondoro Ngezi -- ZANU PF -- Zimplats; Africa -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Africa -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 330.96
• DOI: 10.1080/03056244.2015.1085376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-6244

Abstract

Abstract : This article explores the reconfiguration of rural authority in the aftermath of Zimbabwe's Fast Track Land Reform Programme, particularly the way the programme has allowed local chiefs to deploy ancestral autochthony as a way of contesting state hegemony over the countryside. It argues that chiefs cannot simply be viewed as undemocratic remnants of colonial rule; instead, a nuanced understanding of their role in rural governance is required.