ABSTRACT Urban land in Zimbabwe is a lucrative economic and thus political asset. Increased demand for urban land across the country has been driven by multiple factors including high rates of urbanization, increased rural-urban migration, urban population growth and serious challenges in housing provision post-independence. This paper uses desk research to map out the actors and contestations over land.

Rapid urban population growth and spatial expansion of urban centers have brought unprecedented demand for land in developing countries such as Ethiopia.  The dramatic shifts in urban land tenure from Feudal System (pre-1974) to Socialist Land Policy (1974- 1991) and to the current system (post-1991) have left the urban populations uncertain about their property rights. The historical context coupled with the complex legal and institutional structure and the absence of proper records of rights and restrictions have invigorated corruption in the land sector.

Many cities in developing countries are experiencing urbanization characterised by the continuous proliferation of informal settlements. This article gives an account of a study that determined the inclusiveness of land administration in the City of Lusaka using the perspective of good governance principles. The study findings shows that land administration in the City of Lusaka is not inclusive as most indicators of the five good governance principles recorded negative responses of at least 60 per cent.