Where you produce.
WHAT OPTIONS EXIST
Owned land Leased land Family or community land Government allocation schemes
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT ANY LAND
Who holds the right to it Whether they may lease or sell What the boundaries are What disputes exist Whether it is under acquisition
WHY DISPUTES MATTER ACUTELY
Investment in land you cannot secure is lost entirely.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Title, through a solicitor and a registry search.
WHAT TO ASSESS PHYSICALLY
Soil type and condition Water availability Drainage and flooding history Access for vehicles Proximity to markets Security
WHY FLOODING HISTORY
It is the single most damaging event for many enterprises.
HOW TO ESTABLISH IT
Ask neighbours and the community about previous seasons.
WHAT TO TEST
Soil, before committing to anything requiring investment.
WHY
It determines what will grow and what inputs are needed.
WHAT LEASE TERMS TO ESTABLISH
The term Renewal rights What you may do on the land What happens to improvements you make Whether you may sublet or transfer
WHY IMPROVEMENTS MATTER
Perennial crops and infrastructure are lost if the lease ends.
WHAT TERM TO REQUIRE
Long enough to recover the investment.
WHAT TO PUT IN WRITING
Everything, registered where possible.
WHAT TO AVOID
Investing substantially on informal arrangements.
