Olkkonen sees need for Zambia to regulate land acquisition transparently

Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Timo Olkkonen has observed that it is important that land acquisition is clearly and transparently regulated in Zambia, to mitigate potential adverse effects of land investment.

Speaking at a Zambia Land Alliance workshop in Lusaka today, Mr. Olkkonen says this should be done in a manner that ensures that livelihoods of the rural population, who form the majority of Zambians, are not endangered.

Mr. Olkkonen says the private sector, government and stakeholders should collaborate to ensure that land investments are inclusive and also benefit the poor and marginalized in society.

He says this requires formation and implementation of inclusive laws and policies.

Mr Olkkonen adds that it is also important for the country to ensure that processes and procedures of allocating land for investment purposes are considered holistically much as it is important to promote local and foreign investment.

Mr. Olkkonen notes that the participation of the communities and consultation with the communities and other stakeholders in land allocations for investment can play a critical role in creating outcomes that are positive for everyone.

He states that land investments are important for the socio economic development of the country and cannot be done away with.

Mr. Olkkonen further states that issues of land should be carefully handled as many people depend on land for their survival, stressing that if it is taken away from them, they lose their livelihoods, their income and their source of food.