Author: walelign5wk
SLGA/NELGA Celebrates Achievements of the GIZ PILUP II Project
The GIZ-Participatory Integrated Land Use Planning II (PILUP II) project, in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development, recently concluded its successful three-year journey (2022–2024) with a closing workshop in Addis Ababa. As a close partner, SLGA/NELGA actively participated in the event to honor the project’s achievements and reflect on its impact.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including political and implementing partners, experts, civil society organizations, and development partners. It highlighted the significant role of SLGA/NELGA in bridging Ethiopia’s national land priorities with the African Union’s continental land agenda. Through its Ethiopia Country Component, SLGA/NELGA supported the development of standards for land data transfer and management, addressing the digital divide in geospatial information in line with the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF). These contributions have been pivotal in promoting evidence-based decision-making across key sectors.
The event also served as a platform to share lessons learned, showcase best practices, and foster collaboration. A preview of the upcoming Land Governance III project (2025–2027) was introduced, signaling a continued focus on land policy reforms, rural land consolidation, and enhanced land use planning.
For SLGA/NELGA, this marks the culmination of a successful partnership and a renewed commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive land governance in Ethiopia and beyond.
Strengthening Ethiopia’s Land Governance: Outcomes of the National Validation Workshop
The recently concluded National Validation Workshop on Land Governance in Ethiopia, held from December 16–18, 2024, marked a step toward advancing sustainable land management and governance frameworks. Organised by the IGAD Land Governance Unit in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and NELGA, the workshop brought together key stakeholders from federal ministries, regional land bureaus, academia, civil society, and development partners.
The workshop focused on reviewing policy-oriented research reports and eight policy briefs addressing critical land governance issues. Participants provided substantive feedback on challenges such as institutional coordination, legal reforms, and the integration of climate resilience, gender equity, and human rights into land governance policies.
A significant outcome was the reaffirmation of the importance of aligning Ethiopia’s land reforms with the African Union Declaration on Land and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. NELGA’s instrumental role in supporting this alignment was highlighted, particularly in bridging research and policy to ensure informed decision-making processes.
Discussions emphasised the role of digital solutions in enhancing transparency and efficiency, particularly in urbanization and land use planning. Community participation was identified as a cornerstone for equitable and effective land governance reforms.
SLGA/NELGA contributions to fostering collaboration between academia and policymakers, advancing land governance research, and promoting sustainable development in Ethiopia and the wider IGAD region showcased.
NELGA Launches the Research Communication Reference Guide: A Key Tool for Effective Research Dissemination
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) is excited to announce the launch of its Research Communication Reference Guide (RCRG), a comprehensive toolkit designed to support researchers and land governance stakeholders across Africa. This guide is a vital resource for enhancing the impact of research, offering practical guidance on effectively translating complex findings into accessible, engaging formats.
The RCRG is structured to address the challenges of modern research communication. It includes essential elements such as case studies showcasing best practices in sustainable land governance from various African countries. The guide also provides editable templates for policy briefs and presentations, along with infographics that simplify complex methodologies, making them more digestible for broader audiences.
In addition to these practical tools, the guide offers a curated list of literature focused on communication strategies, writing techniques, and audience engagement. Topics covered in the guide range from audience segmentation to identifying allies in media and policy spaces, equipping researchers with the necessary skills to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
The RCRG bridges the gap between academia and policy, empowering researchers to connect their findings to real-world applications. By providing practical tools and methodologies, it enables users to enhance their influence, drive policy changes, and promote sustainable land governance initiatives across Africa.
This manual complements the self-paced online course “Course: Maximising Research Impact: Driving Change and Making a Difference | atingi,” by delving deeper into key aspects of research communication. For those with limited internet access, the manual is available for download and can be referred to offline, reinforcing your approach to research communications in land governance policy. With this guide, researchers can further enhance their ability to craft compelling narratives, engage audiences, and drive meaningful change through their research. Get the reference tool here Research Communications Guidance Manual
Maximising Research Impact: Driving Change and Making a Difference – New Online Course from NELGA
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) is excited to announce the launch of its new online “Course: Maximising Research Impact: Driving Change and Making a Difference | atingi
” This 60-minute, self-paced course is designed for researchers, young professionals, and students interested in improving their research communication skills and increasing their research impact.
This course provides participants with the tools and techniques needed to effectively communicate their research findings to various audiences, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and the general public. Through this course, participants will learn how to map their target audience, engage with them effectively, and use digital platforms and social media to disseminate their research. The course also covers critical skills such as writing policy briefs, creating compelling content for social media, and using storytelling techniques to make research more relatable and impactful.
The course is ideal for land governance researchers who want to increase the visibility and influence of their work, young professionals who wish to build strong communication skills, and undergraduate students looking to enhance their academic and professional profiles. Whether you’re aiming to influence policy or simply share your research with a wider audience, this course will help you craft a compelling narrative and present your findings in an engaging and effective way.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate, recognizing their newfound skills in research communication. The course is available in both English and French, and participants can take it at their own pace.
Ready to enhance your research impact?
👉 Enrol today: Course: Maximising Research Impact: Driving Change and Making a Difference | atingi
Launch of the Moroccan Association of Researchers in Geomatics and Land Governance with Focus on Urbanization Challenges
The Moroccan Association of Researchers in Geomatics and Land Governance (AMC-GOF) officially has been launched through an event centered on addressing the growing challenge of agricultural land urbanization in Morocco. With the support of Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA, the gathering, brought together experts and stakeholders on November 28, 2024, to examine this critical issue from legislative, technological, and socio-economic perspectives.
The aim was to evaluate the existing legislative and regulatory frameworks governing land conversion amidst rapid urbanization trends. Discussions emphasized on the potential of advanced technologies, such as geomatics and artificial intelligence, in enhancing integrated land management and territorial planning. Another central focus was analyzing the socio-economic and environmental implications of converting agricultural land into urban areas, a trend with long-term consequences for Morocco’s development.
The workshop concluded with several key findings and recommendations. Participants stressed the need for legislative reforms to clarify and update laws related to agricultural land conversion, ensuring robust regulation to address uncontrolled urbanization. Additionally, the integration of geomatics and artificial intelligence was identified as a priority to optimize land use and support proactive planning strategies. The importance of involving local communities, particularly farmers, in decision-making processes was also highlighted, emphasizing the value of participatory governance. Furthermore, the need for public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders about the risks of unplanned urbanization and best practices in land management was underscored.
Partnership agreements between AMC-GOF and two organizations—the Special School of Geomatics and Topography and the Association of Geomatics, Archaeology, and Heritage was a big milestone. These collaborations are expected to strengthen AMC-GOF’s initiatives in promoting innovative solutions and research initiatives for sustainable land governance.
The event marked a significant step in addressing Morocco’s land governance challenges by a fostered dialogue among experts and laid a foundation for effective actions towards sustainable development. The involvement of the NELGA Alumni Association further enriched the workshop, enabling stronger connections within Morocco’s land governance ecosystem.
Empowering Youth Employment in the Land Sector: A Career Talk with Tanzanian Students
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with youth defined by the African Union’s Youth Charter as individuals aged between 15 and 35. The continent’s youth demographic is rapidly growing, with young people aged 15 to 29 accounting for over 40% of the adult population in 2019. Each year, more than 10 million young Africans enter the workforce, yet only 3.7 million jobs are created annually. This mismatch underscores the urgent need to empower youth, women, and vulnerable groups to secure a sustainable and prosperous future.
Despite this, 60% of Africa’s youth remain unemployed. Universities struggle to equip graduates with the skills industries require, resulting in a gap between education and employability. To address this, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) prioritizes strengthening human and institutional capacities to advance the African Union’s Agenda on Land. Partnering with universities across the continent, NELGA has focused on bridging the gap between youth employment and land-related education. This effort aims to ensure graduates from NELGA universities can secure suitable employment in public and private sectors, NGOs, and international organizations.
The Career Talk: Insights for Land Graduates
In a bid to tackle youth unemployment and improve land-sector employability, a career talk was organized in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This event brought together students and job seekers, offering valuable advice from Dr. Tchigankong Désiré and sparking discussions on actionable recommendations for universities and decision-makers.
Key Takeaways for Students and Graduates:
- Develop Digital Skills: As the job market increasingly moves online, graduates must master digital platforms to access opportunities and sustain their careers.
- Strengthen Soft Skills: Employers value attributes such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Students should actively seek mentorship, participate in projects, take online courses, expand their networks, and refine these crucial skills.
Recommendations for Universities:
- Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with industries can bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
- Enhance Practical Exposure: Universities should make annual field placements mandatory, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in the land sector.
- Conduct Tracer Studies: Establishing systems to track graduates’ career paths can provide valuable insights into employment trends and gaps.
- Revamp Curricula: Transitioning from knowledge-based education to capacity- and skill-based training will better prepare students for the job market.
Toward a Brighter Future for African Youth
This career talk exemplifies NELGA’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Africa’s youth. By fostering dialogue, equipping students with essential skills, and driving institutional change, NELGA is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic land sector. Empowering young land professionals is not just about securing jobs—it is about building a generation capable of shaping Africa’s future.
With sustained efforts and collaboration between universities, industries, and organizations, Africa can transform its vast youth potential into a powerful force for economic growth and sustainable development.
NELGA’s Support to the Establishment of the African Women Land Professional Associations Conference (FAWLPAC)
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in many African countries, women continue to face significant barriers to owning land independently of their husbands or male relatives. Statutory laws often fail to recognize women’s land rights. Even when such laws exist, enforcement mechanisms are frequently lacking. In traditional or “customary” societies, women’s access to land through purchase or inheritance is limited. However, they often hold stronger management and use rights than men. Since women are typically the main food producers in households, customary systems sometimes grant them indirect land access through kinship ties or their roles as wives, mothers, or daughters.
Addressing these gender disparities is critical to achieving key land objectives. Without gender-inclusive policies, segments of society are excluded from the benefits of land administration, management, and development programs. Effective policies must explicitly promote women’s access to land. This need was highlighted by the Women’s Summit, which revealed persistent gender inequities in access to land, housing, and basic infrastructure across many societies. Equitable access to land is not only a development necessity but also a human rights issue. The UN Economic and Social Council Commission on the Status of Women has stated that “land rights discrimination is a violation of human rights.”
To address these challenges, the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), in collaboration with the NELGA Eastern African Node, PLAAS, and the NELGA Secretariat, organized the first African Women Land Professional Associations Conference (FAWLPAC). Held in Dar es Salaam from November 24–28, 2024, this groundbreaking conference officially established the African Women Land Professional Association. The association brings together land professionals to promote equality and diversity in the industry.
FAWLPAC aims to empower women in the land sector by offering both technical and soft skills training. These include leadership, public speaking, networking, and confidence-building. By equipping women with these skills, the association ensures they can advance in their careers and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable land sector.
With its strong focus on education, networking, and professional development, FAWLPAC provides a platform for women to drive meaningful change in the land industry. This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing gender disparities in land governance and ensuring women’s active participation in shaping Africa’s land future.
Advancing Youth Employment in Land Governance: Insights from Tunis Workshop
In Tunis, a workshop organised by NELGA in partnership with GIZ brought together experts, educators, and policymakers to address youth employment challenges in the land governance sector. The event emphasized the integration of young graduates into the workforce and showcased innovative strategies from Morocco and Cameroon.
Discussions highlighted Tunisia’s need to bridge the gap between academic training and labor market demands. With graduate unemployment at 23.7% in 2023, participants proposed aligning curricula with real-world needs through collaborative program revisions, mentorship initiatives, and practical skill-building workshops.
Best practices shared included Cameroon’s integration of young professionals into land administration roles through specialized training and one-stop shops for land services. Morocco’s AMC-GOF initiative focuses on continuous training and partnerships to prepare graduates for the job market.
Key recommendations from the workshop included introducing co-diplomas such as a NELGA Master’s degree in land governance, promoting entrepreneurial access to state-owned land, and fostering soft skills through student clubs and alumni networks.
The workshop underscored the urgent need for dynamic education reforms to create a more inclusive and competitive land governance sector. By fostering youth engagement and aligning education with market demands, stakeholders aim to empower the next generation of professionals in Tunisia and beyond.
The event is a significant step towards addressing skills gaps and ensuring that young talent plays a central role in advancing sustainable land governance practices.
YILAA Namibia Advocates for Youth Engagement in Land Governance at NELGA Workshop in Harare
The Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA) Namibia proudly participated in the Sub-Regional Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) Sustainability and Alumni Workshop, held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Represented by its Country Director, Cathrine Marenga, YILAA reinforced its dedication to youth empowerment in land governance while showcasing its collaborative efforts with NELGA.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable land governance systems. YILAA’s active involvement in the workshop demonstrated the critical role of youth in shaping sustainable land policies. The discussions highlighted the importance of empowering young people to defend their land rights and influence decision-making processes, ensuring future generations benefit from fair and transparent governance.
NELGA’s support has been instrumental in amplifying YILAA’s mission, providing platforms for engagement, capacity building, and meaningful dialogue. The Harare workshop further solidified this collaboration, offering an opportunity to exchange knowledge and align strategies for impactful outcomes.
Together, YILAA Namibia and NELGA continue to strengthen their partnership, driving forward the agenda of youth inclusion and sustainable land governance across Africa. The workshop marked a significant milestone in advancing this shared vision, reaffirming the importance of youth leadership in the continent’s land governance efforts.
Knowledge Exchange Week 2024 Champions Responsible Land Governance in Africa
The second annual Knowledge Exchange Week (KEW) 2024, held in Somone, Senegal, from October 7-11, brought together over 17 countries’ representatives to advance responsible land governance across Africa. Jointly organised by GIZ’s Global Project on Responsible Land Policy (GPRLP), the Strengthening Advisory Capacity for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) and funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the event focused on sustaining best practices, fostering partnerships, and amplifying the impact of BMZ-supported land initiatives.
Discussions centered on five thematic streams: land conflict resolution, customary land rights, land use registration, civil society engagement, and responsible investment. Strengthening Advisory Capacity for Land Governance in Africa SLGA and GIZ together with GFA consulting group facilitated sessions on these critical issues, providing a collaborative platform for sharing insights and practical solutions.
A significant presence, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) showcased its achievements, networked with new partners, and identified areas for expanded involvement. NELGA also explored collaboration with the Global Land Facility for research support and policy engagement, and PLAAS proposed training for African climate negotiators on customary land rights and climate resilience.
KEW 2024 concluded with clear recommendations: governments should generate evidence to institutionalise successful programs, universities should pursue action research on customary land rights, and multi-stakeholder platforms should support collaboration for sustainable land governance. Digital tools, including a mobile event app, facilitated engagement, while SLGA underscored the need for inclusive partnerships and local community involvement.
Regardez les moments forts de l’atelier ici: 2024 GIZ Knowledge Exchange Workshop – YouTube