ZNFU HAILS DEFERRAL OF CONTROVERSIAL LAND BILL

By GRACE CHAILE

THE Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has commended Government for deferring the controversial Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2025, describing the move as a progressive step toward inclusive and informed legislative reform.
ZNFU president Jervis Zimba said the organization was particularly grateful to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Ms Sylvia Masebo, for demonstrating leadership by halting the Bill to allow for more stakeholder consultations.
The deferral followed recommendations by the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources, which heard submissions from various interest groups.
“The Minister has shown true leadership by recognising the concerns raised by farmers and other stakeholders. We also thank the Committee for its openness and for giving us a platform to be heard,” Mr Zimba stated in a statement.
Mr Zimba said the ZNFU was optimistic that the consultation process would result in decisive measures to curb fraudulent land title issuance and ensure that those involved face criminal proceedings.
“We are confident that the process ahead will lead to meaningful solutions to the problem of fraudulent land titles. Law enforcement agencies must move in swiftly to ensure culprits are prosecuted. This is critical to restoring public trust in the land administration system,” he said.
ZNFU acknowledged that the deferral came as a result of concerted advocacy efforts by the organisation and others who appeared before the Committee to present their concerns on behalf of farmers and land users.
It reiterated its readiness to take part in the forthcoming consultations and broader land governance reforms.
Mr Zimba said ZNFU would use its nationwide structures to support the development of a transparent, accountable and secure land administration framework that protects land rights and promotes agricultural investment.
He stressed the importance of a legislative environment that enhances sustainable agricultural development and strengthens the rule of law.