Bridget Chinyemba Phiri, is a Programmes, Monitoring and Evaluations Manager with Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA). Bridget shares her learning journey and what inspires her, along with the important work Zambia Land Alliance does in the field of land and environmental justice.
Briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your work in Zambia
My name is Bridget Chinyemba Phiri, and I work with Zambia Land Alliance (ZLA) as the Programmes, Monitoring and Evaluations Manager. ZLA is a network of non-governmental organizations advocating for fair policies, laws, and administrative systems that prioritize the interests of rural communities, the urban poor, and other marginalized groups. My role involves ensuring that all projects and programmes align with ZLA’s mandate, which includes improving land rights protection, promoting good land governance, and supporting sustainable land use and livelihoods.
Most rural poor communities in Zambia live on customary land, which remains insecure despite their significant contributions to national food security and environmental conservation. These communities bear the brunt of climate change—experiencing both floods and droughts—which leads to food and income insecurity. Since these areas often lack other major economic activities beyond agriculture, the communities are especially more vulnerable.
Raising awareness on land tenure security through documented land rights.
This issue affects me personally, as many of our food sources depend on these small-scale farmers. Their identity also defines our cultural heritage and national identity. Unfortunately, many are displaced by land investments without adequate compensation or proper resettlement. This not only harms them economically but also weakens their social networks. Because of how deeply their struggles affect all of us, I’ve committed myself to standing up for their rights and speaking out against these injustices.
What keeps me going are the positive changes that have come from our work. For a long time, land has been predominantly owned by men but through ZLA’s interventions, I have observed women’s land rights being promoted with many women now owning land individually and jointly with their spouse. Women are claiming and defending their land rights by reporting any land rights abuses through the free ZLA paralegal desks. Men are also embracing positive change by apportioning part of their land to their wives and daughters. A good number if men are also involving women more on land use investment decisions. On the broader end, Communities are more informed and are speaking out against land injustices even against traditional leaders. They’ve developed the confidence to engage with decision-makers and challenge abusive land administration practices.
women in Nyimba with their land certificates
I have also seen land rights become more secure through customary land documentation, leading to better and more sustainable land use, improved housing structures, and secured land rights for the land holder’s spouse/children. As farming improves, households enjoy greater food and income security. Many are now participating in community savings groups and using the funds to invest in alternative income sources, which helps build resilience amid climate change impacts that negatively affect agriculture.
Men and women who have faced land disputes now have access to conflict resolution mechanisms, and many have successfully claimed and defended their land rights. This has helped restore peace and allowed communities to continue their livelihoods.
Being part of the Network has greatly expanded my knowledge in areas such as advocacy, land and environmental justice. Learning from the experiences of other members, accessing useful materials, and engaging with technical experts has enhanced my ability to discuss complex topics such as carbon projects, draft strong project proposals, review legislation, and be results oriented . I’ve also built valuable relationships with other Network members whom I can consult on land and environmental issues.
I encourage members to stay engaged with the Network. It’s a powerful space to build connections, access new knowledge, and get fresh ideas for grassroots interventions.