The Zambia Land Alliance has called for the enactment of laws that limit the amount of land that can be sold to investors and the duration for which it can be leased.
Alliance Executive Director, Patrick Musole, described it as unfortunate that land is easily allocated to investors at a time when studies indicate that the country’s remaining arable land is decreasing.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Musole said lease periods of up to 99 years are impractical and disproportionately favour investors over Zambians.
“While we acknowledge that the country needs investors for national development, the available land must be allocated or leased in a coordinated manner,” said Mr. Musole.
Mr. Musole stressed the need for stakeholders to push for legal reforms that prioritize Zambian ownership and control of land.
And Mr. Musole has encouraged Zambians seeking to acquire land to consider customary land rather than state land.
He said customary land is generally cheaper and easier to obtain, making it a practical option for many citizens.
Mr. Musole also stressed the need for Zambians to develop a stronger appetite for land ownership instead of spending heavily on luxury vehicles.
Angel Kasabo
