Brain Drain

Looks like one beneficiary of Mugabe's disastrous "land reform" policy will be the Nigerian state of Kwara. Zimbabwean farmers have been invited to bring their business and help develop that country's agricultural sector, neglected since the discover of oil in the 1960s. The expertise of these farmers and the myriad spinoffs from a successful agricultural economy should benefit all.

Comments

[Abiola Lapite]

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This is a positive step, but in my view it's far too timid. Rather than just courting Zimbabwean farmers, why not open the agricultural sector to investment from *anyone*, regardless of origin? Why not simply work on ensuring that property rights are respected and that there is clear title to all land, so that people can buy and sell it for whatever purpose they please?

I suppose I shouldn't complain too much though, considering this is Nigeria, and how ethnicity and graft have a peculiar way of combining to lethal effect in that country. The talk of "tax breaks, loans and help to develop infrastructure" sets alarm bells ringing in my head because of the opportunity it provides for yet more graft, but at least Governor Saraki recognizes that foreign expertise and investment is a good thing, which puts him far ahead of a lot of politicians in that country.

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[Frank McGahon]

Rather than just courting Zimbabwean farmers, why not open the agricultural sector to investment from *anyone*, regardless of origin? ....The talk of "tax breaks, loans and help to develop infrastructure" sets alarm bells ringing in my head

I agree, but the best is usually the enemy of the good and if this opportunity - the availability of farmers with extensive experience running a successful agricultural sector - can act as a spur to development and, by consequence, create a sector with an interest in defending property rights and clear title, then it ought to be welcomed as at least "good".

[Abiola Lapite]

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"the availability of farmers with extensive experience running a successful agricultural sector - can act as a spur to development and, by consequence, create a sector with an interest in defending property rights and clear title, then it ought to be welcomed as at least "good"."

I agree, and I shouldn't let my irritation at Nigeria's "leaders" take away from this fact. I'll also add that as a way of obtaining worldwide publicity for a pro-investment policy, this initiative is hard to beat. How many people outside of Nigeria had even heard of Kwara State before this?

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