Abstract
AbstractThe Zambian government enacted the 1995 Lands Act with the aim of stimulating investment and agricultural productivity. This Act strengthened the role and power of traditional leaders, particularly chiefs, as it empowered them to allocate customary land to individuals and companies, including foreign investors. In the Bembachiefdom of northern Zambia, a new chief issued new land rights and invalidated the land rights issued by the old chiefs. As a result, land owners with documents in the old formats were required to obtain new certification from the new chief. Concerned about the land within his territory, this chief also decided to invalidate the title deeds issued by the central government so that he could release the protected land to local people. Alongside their historical and cultural power, the chiefs strengthened their patronage over land distribution as well as their authority over the residents in their territories. With high demand for land, anxiety among local people due to land scarcity has created political power and authority for the chiefs.
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