The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has called for the immediate withdrawal from Parliament, the proposed Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill, N.A.B. 13 of 2025, due to lack of consultation with key stakeholders including farmers.
ZNFU President, Jervis Zimba, says the union however agrees with the President Hakainde Hichilema’s recognition of longstanding land administration issues at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, particularly the issue of multiple titles and the toll land disputes are taking on farmers.
Mr. Zimba has however, expressed concern that the amendment bill was drafted without input from the farming community, which it described as the most affected group.
“This lack of engagement has led to deep dissatisfaction with the bill, especially the provision granting the Chief Registrar of Lands powers to cancel Certificates of Title,” said Mr. Zimba in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said the provision, if enacted without proper safeguards and inclusive dialogue, threatens the confidence farmers have in Zambia’s land governance system.
Mr. Zimba has since appealed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to withdraw the bill from Parliament immediately and initiate a transparent consultation process with all relevant stakeholders, including farmers.
He has also emphasized that any legislative changes must balance the need to address current land issues while preserving the integrity of land ownership.
By Margaret Mwanza.
