Land tenure and agricultural development in Zambia

• Main Author: Lungu, John
• Published: University of Aberdeen 1994
• Subjects: 338.1; Agricultural economics
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.282685

Zambia has since independence experienced a decline in per-capita food production. Among the assumed causes of this decline are land tenure relations. This thesis has discussed the relationship between land tenure systems and agricultural development. It has considered the effects of this relationship on productivity, investment and employment generation. It demonstrates that the prevalence of traditional land tenure systems in the rural areas is inconsistent with the rule structures of modern institutions providing credit, marketing, input supply and extension. The thesis however, recognizes that a reform of these land tenure institutions is not a panacea to agricultural productivity unless accompanied by the provision of agricultural services. The thesis is divided into two parts. The first part sets out the philosophy of the research, the theoretical framework and provides background and illustrative information on the relationship between land tenure reform and agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. This part also sets out the historical, economic and political context to land tenure reform in Zambia both in the colonial and post-colonial periods. The second part discusses the case study of Petauke District. In this exposition, the effects of tenure on agricultural productivity, investment and employment creation are examined by analyzing primary data concerning access to credit, marketing, input supply and extension services. In organising chapters 4 to 8 concerning sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia and the case study of Petauke district, the thesis utilized the structure and agency philosophical framework. The explanation of the relationship between land tenure and agricultural development however, employed institutional models developed by both economists and planners.