VII. Politicization of Agricultural Equipment and Grain and Marketing Board Distribution of Food The independent (non-governmental) election monitoring body Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN) and nongovernmental organizations such as the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) have expressed serious concerns over political interference in the distribution of free agricultural equipment (under the government’s farm mechanization program) and state subsidized maize and seed from the government’s Grain and Marketing Board (GMB).60 On January 10, 2008, ZESN reported political interference in the government’s farm mechanization program (funded by the Reserve Bank) to distribute free plows, donkey carts, seeds, and other equipment to farmers. ZESN reported that in a number of provinces Zimbabwean farmers were forced to show loyalty to the ruling party by producing party cards to receive the equipment and seeds.61 Human Rights Watch did not witness any political interference in the distribution of food by the GMB but received more than 20 reports of alleged manipulation of food distribution from villagers in provinces such as Masvingo, Manicaland, Midlands, and Matabeleland North and South.62 In view of the credible reports from ZESN and ZPP, and the evidence gathered from the villagers interviewed by Human Rights Watch in the provinces it visited, there are well-founded reasons to believe that the government’s subsidized food program and its farm mechanization program are being manipulated by ZANU-PF and the government to achieve political gain. Perceived political adversaries of ZANU-PF or the government have encountered obstacles in gaining access to food or agricultural equipment. Those denied access to the government’s programs include perceived supporters and members of the MDC, teachers, farmers, and human rights activists. In Mutare, Manicaland province, 60 See “Concern over pre-election environment, Election Update (1),” ZESN press statement, January 25, 2008; Zimbabwe Peace Project, “Food Monitoring Report, September, 2007”; and Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), “Partisan Distribution of Food and Other Forms of Aid: A National Report, October 2007,” January 17, 2008. 61 “Concerns over pre-election environment.” ZESN press statement. 62 Human Rights Watch interviews with ordinary voters (names withheld), Mashonaland West, Masvingo, and Matabeleland provinces, September 24–October 6, 2007, and February 4–24, 2008. 25 Human Rights Watch March 2008