In a move hailed by the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Sylvia Masebo, MP, has deferred the controversial Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2025, pending further stakeholder consultations. The postponement follows recommendations from the National Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources, which convened hearings to gather views from farmers, land users, and other affected parties.
ZNFU President Jervis Zimba lauded the Minister’s leadership, emphasizing that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to transparent and participatory law‐making. “Meaningful stakeholder engagement is essential in tackling the complex challenges in our land administration system,” Zimba commented. He expressed gratitude to the Committee for its diligence in listening to concerns raised by the Union and other interest groups.
At issue are persistent cases of fraudulent land title issuance, which have eroded public confidence and undermined investments in agriculture. ZNFU has urged law enforcement agencies to prioritize criminal proceedings against those responsible, arguing that swift action will help restore trust in the titling system and reinforce the rule of law. “Decisive resolutions in these cases will protect the rights of genuine land users and safeguard the integrity of our registry,” Zimba added.
With the bill’s parliamentary process now on hold, ZNFU has pledged to engage actively in the forthcoming consultation phase led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The Union intends to leverage its nationwide network to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard, contributing practical solutions for land governance reform. ZNFU’s participation will focus on crafting measures that balance secure land tenure with the needs of agricultural development and private investment.
Looking ahead, ZNFU remains optimistic that the expanded dialogue will yield a more robust legislative framework for land administration. By fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector, stakeholders aim to build a system that is accountable, transparent, and capable of supporting sustainable livelihoods across Zambia’s rural landscape.
Comment:just thinking about zambia and it’s citizens.
When will we realize that the main problem of our nation is Corruption? Which politician can promise to sort out corruption?
None, because they are all involved from president to police constable, parents of aspiring pupils to university chancellor, hospital cleaner to superintendent.
Should we give up? Are the politicians on the sidelines promising to clean up our corrupt institutions? How did Paul Kagame sort out this crime?
No plan. A string of bills needing consultations. Is that not government disorderliness, confusion? Typical C+n+P.
Zambia National Farmers Union. How can you expect an object statement when the President lost his farm through a divorce. Rented a farm that was later invaded by cadres and now has somehow aquired a farm that previously belonged to Zambia Army?
Jarvis Zimba should be embarassed and can not lead a credible organisation if his hands are not clean.
Land allocaction and owerships needs reforms in our country there is too much fraudulent going on in this sector.
Me, I personally want bill 13 go back to Parliament.A lot of wrong transactions have been happening at Lands.
There had been short cuts of obtaining land title deeds backed by some LAZ lawyers. No wonder why their organizations had been advocating for withdrawal not deferment of the bill.
Why is it that foreigners find it easy to get land in Zambia? Is it because they can use money has carrot to easily get title deeds?
I wouldn’t be surprised if hard cash was found in the hands of Land officers.
Peasant farmers have been targets of their land being grabbed and given to foreigners