Farmers reject Bill 13

…say the bill is a threat to land tenure security, accuses government of having crafted the land bill without consultation, alarmed with the provision in the Bill that grants the Chief Registrar of Lands sweeping powers to cancel Certificates of Title without due process

By BARNABAS ZULU

THE Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has rejected the controversial Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2025, citing lack of consultation and potential threats to land ownership security.
ZNFU president Jervis Zimba said the Bill was crafted without any input from farmers, despite the sector being among the most vulnerable to land-related challenges.
“The proposed Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill, N.A.B. 13 of 2025, was drafted without consulting farmers – despite being the most affected stakeholders,” Zimba said. “This lack of engagement has led to deep dissatisfaction with the bill.”
Zimba acknowledged President Hakainde Hichilema’s efforts in recognising the challenges at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, including issues of multiple titles and disputes that have crippled confidence in land transactions.
“We welcome the President’s recognition of the ongoing land challenges at the Ministry, particularly the issue of multiple titles and the toll land disputes are taking on farmers,” he said. “These concerns reflect the everyday reality for many in the agricultural sector.”
However, he expressed alarm over one specific provision in the Bill that grants the Chief Registrar of Lands sweeping powers to cancel Certificates of Title without due process.
“Farmers view this as a threat to land security, which is the foundation of agricultural investment and financing,” he warned. “The provision, if enacted without adequate safeguards and broad-based consultation, risks eroding confidence in the land administration system.”
Zimba emphasized that the Union would not support any legislative change that puts the country’s food producers at risk of land insecurity.
“Without title deeds, farmers cannot access financing. Without financing, they cannot invest in production. This bill-if passed in its current form-will destabilise the agricultural sector,” he said.
The Union has since demanded that the government halt the legislative process and consult stakeholders extensively before proceeding.
“The Union fervently appeals to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to withdraw the bill from Parliament immediately and to initiate a transparent consultation process with all stakeholders, including the farming community,” Zimba said.
He said meaningful engagement is the only way to build consensus and address the land administration challenges without compromising property rights.
“Meaningful engagement is essential to ensure that any amendments protect the integrity of land ownership while addressing current challenges,” he concluded.
Bill No. 13 of 2025 has come under growing public criticism, with civil society organisations, opposition leaders, and now the farming sector raising alarm over the unilateral powers it proposes to give to the Chief Registrar. Critics argue the bill opens doors to potential abuse and threatens property rights protected under the Zambian Constitution