By Chama Chabasungu and Celestina Mbewe
Princess Cholwe Nkomeshya Mukamambo II has expressed deep concern over the continued marginalisation of traditional leaders in key national decisions relating to land use, seed rights, and environmental policies.
Speaking during the just-ended Mini Conference of Parties (Mini COP) in Chongwe, Princess Nkomeshya said chiefs and head persons must not be excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their communities and the natural resources they safeguard.
“We want to be involved at every level , village, district, and national because isolation will not achieve results. In togetherness, we build,” she said.
The Mini COP, convened by the Zambia Governance Foundation, aimed to reflect on the progress and future of the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme. It drew together traditional leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, and community members over a three-day period.
The discussions focused on ensuring that gains made under the VCA programme, which is set to conclude in 2025, are not lost and that a clear path forward is developed for community-led climate action.
A major call from the gathering was the need for traditional leaders to be given a meaningful seat at the table when national policies on climate, land, and agriculture are being shaped.
Among the issues criticized was the proposed Seeds and Plant Variety Acts, particularly the 2024 version, which many fear could erode farmers’ rights to save, exchange, and trade indigenous seeds. The legislation, according to several speakers, risks favouring corporate interests over community food sovereignty.
“The Book of Genesis reminds us that the seeds given to man were not patented. We must safeguard our heritage and the rights to share, plant, and trade our seeds freely,” said one participant from Rufunsa.
Women’s land rights also featured prominently in the deliberations. Participants highlighted that while women play a critical role in seed preservation and food production, they are often denied land ownership and decision-making power.
“We must ensure women have access, ownership, and control of land,” said Racheal Mwila, a representative from the Zambia Governance Foundation.
Hivos, one of the funding organizations for the VCA programme, stressed the need to maintain momentum even after the project ends.
Michelo Simwete, speaking on behalf of the organisation, reminded attendees that development should not be dictated solely by funding cycles.
“Projects may end, but communities remain. What’s next after VCA? We must not wait for another externally funded initiative to take action,” Simwete said.
The importance of traditional governance structures in climate governance was further emphasized by Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena, who acknowledged the pivotal role chiefs play in protecting the environment and mobilising communities.
“The pillars of our nation lie in traditions, government alone cannot succeed without the support of cultural institutions,” said Mabena.