Natural resource use, including land, and rural population location is an important topic for Zambia's development strategy. Among other efforts, the Government of Zambia (GRZ) has designated 22% of total land area, as Game Management Areas (GMAs) for human settlements and wildlife conservation. Other GRZ programmes seek to improve food security and agricultural productivity, including the use and improvement of conservation farming techniques. GRZ is currently reviewing policies in the agricultural, forestry, fisheries, wildlife and land sectors. Research in these fields has much to contribute to effective management of MAs, increased agricultural productivity and improved welfare, especially for the rural population.