Abstract
This paper summarizes legislation in Scotland (some in place for over a century) and Zimbabwe (some in place for fifteen years) relating to Crofting and Communal Areas - both of which are forms of what in this paper has been termed Communal Family Tenure. The effectiveness of legislation and funding for Crofting is examined, including grants, public and private capital supporting new industries, recreation facilities, LIS, etc. This legislation has often resulted in thriving rural communities, and may provide a yardstick against which proposed Zimbabwean legislation with the same aim can be gauged.