Relationship amongst humans on the use of land; can be based on legal statute or traditional norms and culture.
Published in Chapter:
Land, Rights, and Tenure Insecurity on Customary Land in Zambia: Protecting “Thyselves”
Ephraim Kabunda Munshifwa (Copperbelt University, Zambia), Niraj Jain (Copperbelt University, Zambia), Roy Alexander Chileshe (Copperbelt University, Zambia), and Anthony Mushinge (Copperbelt University, Zambia)
Copyright: © 2021
|Pages: 16
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-3729-9.ch007
Abstract
Land is a key asset in the lives of village communities in Zambia. It is thus at the centre of their livelihood strategies as it provides social, economic, and financial benefits to these communities. The paradox though is that despite acknowledging its importance in the lives of village communities, tenure on this land is poorly protected by the state resulting in high insecurity for its occupants. In many instances, there are no clear regulations on its use and alienation while traditional authorities are also ill-equipped for the task of administering this land. The question then that emerges is: In this perceived absence of state protection, how are village communities protecting themselves from threats of dispossession by foreign investors, urban elites, and the state's own actions? This study found that village communities are using various means to protect themselves, including issuance of local land holding certificates.