Clove farmers in Pemba welcome promise of land titles

ZANZIBAR: CLOVE farmers in Pemba have welcomed and endorsed the pledge made by CCM presidential candidate Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi to grant them official land titles for their clove farms.

Pemba’s farmers told journalists over the weekend that the move was vital in addressing long-standing ownership disputes and would give them security over their farms and attract investment in the clove sector.

The official issuance of land title deeds for clove farms, initially scheduled for last Friday, has been postponed to next month following the death of Dr Mwinyi’s brother, Abbasi, which led to the rescheduling of the programme.

Mr Mohammed Ali Kombo, a resident of Kalani, Mgagadu in Mkoani District, said cloves have been a lifeline for many families, especially with current prices being better than in previous years.

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“The clove harvest has declined compared to previous years because of climate change. Low rainfall has reduced yields, with many trees drying up. The government should support us by providing more seedlings to expand production,” Mr Kombo appealed.

He, further said, that formal ownership would also improve land use planning and protect clove farms from informal activities that damage the environment.

Other farmers voiced similar views, stressing that land titles would prevent fraud and illegal encroachment on farms.

Mr Juma Ayoub Khamis of Kalani said during harvest season, strangers appear to claim farms that are not theirs.

“With official titles, such disputes will end. This will be a blessing to us farmers,” Mr Khamis said.

Clove grower Mr Mussa Khamis from North Pemba said ownership documents will help them secure loans.

“But we also need electricity and better road networks to make clove farming sustainable,” he said.

Another farmer, Mr Talib Mohammed Bakar of Shemkani said that many rightful heirs had been dispossessed through forged documents and urged the government to carry out a thorough survey to ensure original owners receive their rightful titles.

Several farmers pointed out challenges such as limited electricity supply and inadequate storage facilities during harvests. They asked the government to speed up infrastructure improvements, including rural roads and electrification, to support clove production and livelihoods.