The local authority has, over the years, clashed with its residents over the issue of urban farming. But, according to the latest council minutes, the councillors approved a number of applications for pieces of land in the citys suburbs, especially for agriculture purposes. The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) council has leased out space in Parklands, Cowdray Park, Emakhandeni, Nkulumane 12 and Nketa 8. The BCC also revealed that it was moving forward with its Hyde Park Estate
urban agriculture project, an idea that was first mooted in 2005. In its initial stages, the project focused on growing crops such as maize and sugar beans. The local authority also financed the training of 100 farmers in managing a gum plantation and other skills such as bee-keeping, herb and mushroom growing. The local authority has since resolved to lease the land out to the 100 farmers so they can access donor funding. The initial leasing period is to be set at five years, subject to renewal at a later stage.