Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with technical assistance from the European Union Delegation to Zambia, has embarked on a significant initiative-the sensitisation and training workshop for the pilot phase of the National Land Audit. This pilot project will focus on the Nansanga Farm Block in Serenje.
The National Land Audit is a crucial step towards enhancing land administration and management in Zambia. This effort is aligned with the National Land Policy of Zambia, which was adopted by the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) in 2021. The Land audit aims to identify and document land ownership and usage patterns, detect and prevent land encroachment and disputes, foster transparency and accountability, attract investment and promote agricultural growth.
The pilot project will allow the Ministry to test and refine its approach, leveraging both technology and community engagement to ensure the accuracy and exclusivity of the process. The goal is to ensure that land resources are managed efficiently and transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
The project targets various groups including but not limited to landowners, tenants, displaced individuals, chiefdoms Policy makers and government ministries etc.
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources, Chief Planner Mr. Wallace Nguluwe emphasised the importance of these land reforms for improved land allocation, security of tenure, and the digitisation of land records. He also highlighted that the National Land Audit involves several key players including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Mines, and the Office of the Vice President. He stressed the need for a unified National Land System that clearly indicates land ownership, location, and usage across all Government Ministries and institutions involved in Land Administration.
Florent Lasry, Team Leader for the National Land Audit Project, acknowledged the critical role of collaboration across ministries and local governments, as land management intersects with various sectors. He emphasised that the success of the project would require collective input and should not be an isolated effort.
District Agricultural Coordinator, Katumwa Mutandi, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for their visionary approach to land administration. He also thanked the European Union for their support, recognising the significance of the national assignment for the betterment of the country and the district.
Lastly. Chief Chibale, representing the traditional leadership, expressed appreciation to the EU Delegation and welcomed the National Land Audit, noting its potential to help traditional leaders monitor land use within their chiefdoms.
