So much for land reform

According to The Guardian, Robert Mugabe's land seizure program has entered a new stage.

Zimbabwe's dispossessed white farmers have been invited to lease farms back from the government, a tacit admission of the failure of Robert Mugabe's land seizures.

Since 2000 the Mugabe government has taken over more than 4,000 white-owned commercial farms in often violent seizures. Some of the land was redistributed to poor black supporters of the government, but many farms went to cabinet ministers, army officers, judges and others with ties to the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Few of the new farmers have produced good harvests, because of shortages of seeds and fertiliser and lack of expertise. Mr Mugabe admitted last year that only 40% of the seized land was under cultivation. As a result, Zimbabwe has suffered widespread food shortages and has been dependent upon international food aid for four consecutive years. The economy has contracted by 40% and inflation has soared to 913%.

Another example of the wisdom of dictators rather than a market economy with enforced property rights.

Hat tip to the folks at Op For (the new incarnation of the old Officers Club blog)