The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) is sounding the alarm over the proposed Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2025, warning it poses a significant threat to land tenure security and agricultural investment. The union, representing a critical sector of the Zambian economy, has unequivocally rejected the legislation, primarily due to what it calls a profound lack of consultation with key stakeholders.
ZNFU President Jervis Zimba stated the bill was drafted “without consulting farmers – despite being the most affected stakeholders.” This absence of engagement has fueled “deep dissatisfaction” within the agricultural community, which relies heavily on secure land ownership for financing and production.
While acknowledging President Hakainde Hichilema’s efforts to address existing land challenges, such as multiple titles and disputes, Zimba expressed serious concerns about a specific provision in the bill. This clause grants the Chief Registrar of Lands extensive powers to unilaterally 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,” Zimba warned. He emphasized that the union would not endorse any legislative change jeopardizing the nation’s food producers. “Without title deeds, farmers cannot access financing. Without financing, they cannot invest in production.”
The ZNFU has urgently appealed to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to withdraw the bill from Parliament. The union is demanding a “transparent consultation process” involving all stakeholders, including the farming community, stressing that “meaningful engagement is essential to ensure that any amendments protect the integrity of land ownership.”
The bill has drawn increasing criticism from various public sectors, including civil society organizations and opposition leaders, who echo the ZNFU’s concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of property rights.
