Resource information
Farms 25/77 NQ and 27/77N0, located in North East District, were acquired by the Government
from the freeholder, Mr Blackbeard in 1990. The purchase followed the recommendations of the
consultants appointed to conduct the feasibility study of the Lower Shashe dam (SMEC, 1990), and
had the objective of providing compensatory land for Matopi villagers who need to be relocated
before flooding of the reservoir.
During the latter part of 1990, the Tati Land Board proposed compensating Matopi residents by
relocating them within the bounds of farms 25/77 and 27/77NQ. As a portion of the farm had been
developed for irrigated agriculture, however, the Ministry of Agriculture was concerned that this
resource should not be wasted, and that any potential for expansion of the irrigated area be
investigated prior to land allocation. A study was therefore initiated in late 1990 by the Ministry of
Agriculture to evaluate the farm for alternative land use options including resettlement of Matopi
people. This study concluded that the potential for expanding the present irrigated area was limited.