DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 2 -- FOR too long now, vast stretches of land in some regions including Tanga have lain idle under the guise of investment and nobody seems to be developing them.

With this in mind, we support the governments firm directive to review land contracts for dormant farms and see into it that they are developed.

The decision has nothing to do with politics, but sheerly aimed at reclaiming idle agricultural estates that have remained undeveloped for years and signals a serious policy shift: Land must be used productively or returned to the public.

This move comes in response to a troubling trend. Investors, both local and foreign, have acquired large swathes of fertile land, only to leave them untouched year after year. Su...