‘Nimble peri-urban land purchase transactions’: How marginalised migrants access, hold and trade land

Abstract

Abstract How do marginalised migrants access, hold and trade land for settlement? This ethnographic inquiry based on a case study of Malawian migrants in peri-urban Zimbabwe revealed the practice of ‘Nimble peri-urban land purchase transactions’ - the flexible, informal, and extralegal means through which marginalised migrants secure land in a dynamic peri-urban environment. The study highlights the powerful role played by community leaders, neighbours and fictive kin in authenticating and registering land rights, mediating land disputes, and maintaining spatial orderliness within the community. The informal land transactions closely mimic formal land acquisition practices, demonstrating a sophisticated system underpinning these seemingly informal processes, grounded in local customs and trust-based relationships. Crucially, the study dispels the misconception surrounding the illegality of informal settlements, revealing that ‘Nimble peri-urban land purchase transactions’ constitute a crucial component of land access strategies for marginalised migrants. These transactions not only provide a lifeline to individuals and families seeking a place to call home but also contribute to the overall urbanisation and development of peri-urban areas. Thus, the study emphasises the need for recognising and addressing the informal yet vital aspects of land dynamics in peri-urban contexts.