<p>This article examines land reform as a form of asset-based social protection, analysing livelihood outcomes and policy integration among beneficiaries in Zimbabwe’s resettlement areas. Drawing on longitudinal research conducted between 2015 and 2017 and follow-up studies in 2022–2024 in Goromonzi and Zvimba districts, we investigate how land redistribution functions as a comprehensive social protection mechanism and the complementary policy interventions needed to enhance its protective potential. The study contributes to social protection literature by demonstrating empirically how large-scale asset redistribution serves as multifunctional protection that simultaneously addresses redistribution, production, and social cohesion within transformative social policy frameworks. Our findings reveal that while land reform provides foundational social protection through asset ownership, livelihood security, and risk diversification, sustained transformation requires integration with supportive policies in rural finance and infrastructure provision. In a post-crisis context confronted by inequality and converging environmental and economic crises, land emerges as a critical social protection instrument that extends beyond conventional welfare paradigms. This research provides evidence of land’s dual function as both productive asset and welfare mechanism, offering alternative pathways to social security in contexts where formal social protection systems remain limited.</p>