Assessment of Land Governance System in Preventing State Land Conflicts in Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to assess the land governance system in preventing state land conflicts in Zambia. In order to obtain insights about the actual realities on the ground, based on a case study strategy (i.e. Lusaka District has a study area), the research examined the present status of state land governance system, and investigated the efficiency of the present state land governance system in preventing state land conflicts. Methodologically, qualitative approach supported by quantitative approach was used to conclude that the present state land governance in Zambia is dysfunctional. This land governance system is characterised by lack of land policy, defective legal framework, defective institutional framework, defective technical issues and defective operational issues. Thus, the present land governance framework is unable to prevent state land conflicts. As a result state land conflicts are occurring with greater frequency in the country in general and Lusaka District in particular. In light of the foregoing, it is recommended that, the Zambian government should consider investing in land conflict prevention measures like formulating an appropriate land policy and land laws, establish effective land institutions, and undertaking effective technical issues (i.e. comprehensive land use planning, systematic cadastral surveying, systematic land registration, and transparent land allocation), improving the government-stakeholders nexus, and improving capacity building and awareness.

Keywords: Zambia, Lusaka, land governance, state land conflict