Land is subject to a complex mix of jurisdictions with customary systems
of communal tenure and statutory forms of private ownership in most
countries of the region. This dualistic tenure system divides the agricultural
sector in large freehold commercial farms under private ownership
and traditional common property on communal lands used for traditional
agro-pastoralism, small scale and subsistence farming. The control and
importance of traditional authorities and tribal leaders is significant in
the region and should be considered during land-related dialogues in
southern Africa.