The Challenges of Customary Land Tenure in Zambia

Current concern with the land question derives from the accumulated experience of economic development. Land is believed to be a prerequisite to economic growth as most people depend primarily on the land and agriculture for their existence. Land is directly linked with both their economic and social interests. The paper discusses tenure in customary lands of Zambia in view of its importance to the development of both customary and state land. It has looked at the inadequacies of the current land policy as regards customary land and also it’s bearing on sustainable land management and indeed general improvement of livelihood in these areas. The paper argues that without effective tenure policies in administering land, sustainable development in these areas is threatened. To this effect, the issue of boundaries in customary communities has also been discussed as a way of territorial integrity and land management in customary land. The need for cadastral surveys is becoming more apparent with the rise in population and demand for market based activities in rural land. Without clearly defined systems of administration and demarcation of boundaries, customary Zambia is prone to more land conflicts hindering socio-economic progress.