Author: walelign5wk
NELGA Anglophone West Africa Alumni Network Launched at Kumasi Workshop
Kumasi, Ghana – The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) recently concluded a successful workshop focused on sustainability and alumni engagement in Kumasi, Ghana. The workshop served as a platform for reflection and consultation after a decade of NELGA’s implementation in Anglophone West Africa, with the aim of drawing lessons, enhancing achievements, and solidifying progress towards institutional sustainability.
A key outcome of the three-day event was the official launch of the NELGA Anglophone West Africa Alumni Network. This network will provide ongoing support to former beneficiaries of NELGA programs and enhance the network’s effectiveness in the region. The workshop facilitated insightful discussions among NELGA experts, focal points, and civil society organisations, allowing participants to share experiences and lessons learned from implementing various NELGA activities.
The workshop also emphasised gender equity and produced a comprehensive report outlining a roadmap for the alumni network. This roadmap will guide the network’s operations and ensure the continued engagement of its members. In addition to the roadmap, a plan for the organisation and functionality of the alumni network for further solidifying its foundation for future success has been developed.
By fostering connections, peer exchange, mentorship opportunities, and job and funding circulation, the alumni network is expected to strengthen NELGA both regionally and across the continent. This initiative reflects NELGA’s commitment to building a lasting impact on land governance in Africa.
NELGA Southern Africa Strengthens Sustainability Efforts with Alumni Network Launch
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) Southern Africa node successfully hosted a workshop focused on sustainability and the launch of its alumni association from October 29th to 31st, 2024 at the RTG Hotel in Harare. The workshop aimed to consolidate the network’s achievements in the region, strategise for long-term sustainability, and formally establish a vibrant alumni network.
NELGA, with support from the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) as the regional node, has played a crucial role in strengthening land governance capacity in Southern Africa. The organisation’s commitment to applied research, training, and policy dialogues has contributed significantly to the implementation of the African Union’s agenda on land.
The workshop brought together key players in the land governance sector. Participants engaged in discussions centered around capitalising on past successes and ensuring the continuation of NELGA’s impact.
A highlight of the event was the official launch of the NELGA Southern Africa alumni network. This network aims to provide ongoing support and foster collaboration among former participants of NELGA programs. By establishing a strong alumni community, NELGA seeks to leverage the expertise and experience of its graduates to further advance land governance in the region.
The workshop served as a step in strengthening NELGA’s presence and ensuring its long-term sustainability in Southern Africa. The newly launched alumni network is expected to play a role in amplifying the impact of NELGA’s work and contributing to improved land governance practices across the region.
International Knowledge Forum 2024: Geo-intelligence for Resilient Land Governance
The International Knowledge Forum (IKF 2024), held from September 25 to 27 at the Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco, brought together African experts in land governance and geospatial sciences. Under the theme, “Geo-intelligence: Intelligent Land Governance for Resilient Territories,” the Forum, organized by the North African node of the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), focused on advancing geo-intelligence technologies for sustainable territorial management.
With objectives of promoting innovative geo-intelligence applications, strengthening regional expertise, and fostering knowledge exchange, the Forum highlighted inclusive governance, resilient land policies, and the role of regional cooperation. Key recommendations emphasized the need for accessible, high-quality data to support effective land management, the inclusion of women and youth in governance, and the adoption of context-specific policies.
Participants underscored the importance of South-South partnership to develop and use technology that is adapted to local needs. Initiatives like NELGA and the Arab Land Initiative were spotlighted for their efforts to promote regional cooperation. Additionally, the Forum advocated for capacity building through programs like the ones to be initiated by the Land Governance Academy at IAV, aimed at training stakeholders in land governance and geospatial technologies.
IKF 2024 concluded with a call to strengthen institutional capacities and continue the exchange of best practices across Africa, positioning forums like IKF as crucial for sustainable and collaborative land governance efforts on the continent.
NELGA Central Africa Celebrates Academic Excellence in Land Governance
The NELGA Central Africa Pole of Excellence recently hosted its second annual awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding academic work in land governance. In collaboration with the University of Yaoundé 1, and with the support of GIZ and the Africa Land Policy Centre (ALPC), the event aimed to promote research on land tenure, support emerging scholars, and encourage knowledge-sharing across Central Africa.
Held at the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the ceremony highlighted exceptional PhD and Master’s theses that addressed critical land governance challenges. The awards recognized innovative research approaches that contribute to sustainable land management and inclusive policies in the region.
In addition to the awards, winners were offered internship opportunities through GIZ’s Responsible Land Policies Program, providing hands-on experience in land governance initiatives in Cameroon. The initiative is part of NELGA’s broader mission to foster academic excellence and support young professionals in addressing pressing land issues.
The event concluded with a call to maintain strong connections within NELGA’s network, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration to advance sustainable land governance in Central Africa.
1st African Women Land Professional Associations Conference: A Platform for Gender-Inclusive Land Governance
The 1st African Women Land Professional Associations Conference (FAWLPAC) is set to take place from 24th to 28th November 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Hosted by the International Federation of Surveyors-Africa Regional Network (FIG-ARN), NELGA-East African node, and Ardhi University, the conference aims to raise awareness of gender disparity in land-related careers and highlight the critical contributions of women to inclusive and sustainable land governance in Africa.
Under the theme “Women Land Professionals and the Struggle for Inclusive Land Governance in Africa: Reflections on the Past, Present, and the Future”, the conference will bring together land professionals, including surveyors, planners, architects, engineers, and academics from across Africa. The event will also feature key sessions, including reflections on the history, current state, and future opportunities for women in land governance.
The conference will be officially opened by Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Attendees will have the chance to learn from inspiring women professionals, share knowledge, forge collaborations, and participate in networking sessions, including technical tours and a gala night. For registration, sponsorship opportunities, and accommodation details, click here https://fig.net/news/news_2024/09_AWLPAC_November.asp
Call for Contributions: Special Issue on Women and Land Governance in Africa
The African Journal on Land Policy & Geospatial Sciences (AJLP&GS) is pleased to announce a call for submissions for a special issue on “Raising Women’s Awareness of Their Role in Land Governance in Africa.” This special issue, scheduled for publication on December 31, 2024, will focus on the intersection of gender and land policy, offering a platform to share research findings, case studies, and innovative solutions.
The special issue will cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to:
- Gender-sensitive approaches to land use planning, forest governance, and sustainable land management.
- Urban planning and infrastructure development from a gender perspective.
- Gender dimensions of land rights, ownership, and governance of indigenous lands.
- Climate resilience and nature-based solutions with a focus on gender.
- Policy frameworks integrating gender into land governance.
We invite researchers to submit original research articles, review papers, policy briefs, and case studies.
Submissions will undergo rigorous peer review, ensuring high-quality contributions that advance the field.
Submission deadline: November 7, 2024.
Please submit manuscripts to rudithk@gmail.com and mechiro@yahoo.fr, copying the Editor-In-Chief at nelga@iav.ac.ma with the subject Second AJLP-GS Special Issue 2024.
Download and apply Call_Special-Issue_Women_Landgovernance2024.pdf (uneca.org)
NELGA Research Compendium: A Showcase of Land Governance Research Impact
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA is proud to unveil its latest Research Compendium, a significant collection of research studies conducted by NELGA scholars. This compendium highlights research in land governance, sustainable land management, and socio-economic land tenure systems, showcasing the role land plays in Africa’s development.
The compendium features a wide range of abstracts, presenting research from various land-related disciplines. Each study offers valuable insights into how land governance affects communities, economies, and the environment. These studies emphasise the importance of sustainable land use, equitable land tenure systems, and the role of technology in land monitoring.
Key areas of focus include the impact of rapid land use changes on Ghana’s water resources, gender equity in land rights in Sierra Leone, and strengthening customary land governance in Ghana. Additionally, the compendium covers research into the dynamics of urban planning and housing markets in Namibia, providing practical solutions for policy-makers, investors, and planners.
This collection not only celebrates the accomplishments of NELGA scholars but also serves as a platform for global knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Explore the compendium here: https://nelga.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RESEARCH-COMPENDIUM-NELGAs-Impact-in-Land-themed-Professional-Development-v1-SP.pdf
NELGA Launches a Toolkit to Support the Curriculum Development on Land Governance in Africa
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA is excited to announce a significant achievement in supporting land governance education across Africa with the launch of its comprehensive NELGA Toolkit. Designed to implement the “Toolkit supporting implementation of the Guidelines on the Development of Curricula on Land Governance in Africa”, enhances the quality and relevance of land governance education in universities and institutions throughout the continent.
The toolkit provides a comprehensive framework to improve the quality and relevance of land governance education across African universities and institutions. Offering 26 key guidelines, the toolkit equips universities, governments, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions with practical resources for curriculum development and review.
By drawing from examples in over 20 African countries, the toolkit showcases how different institutions have adapted curricula to address specific land governance challenges. These thematic areas include women’s land rights, rural and urban land governance, climate change, and land tenure systems. Through these guidelines, the toolkit supports the creation of short courses, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs tailored to Africa’s land issues.
The toolkit addresses critical gaps in human and technical capacity that hinder land policy development and implementation. By promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable land governance practices, the toolkit empowers stakeholders across the continent to manage Africa’s land resources more effectively and equitably.
This expansion fosters capacity-building in land governance, ensuring alignment with Africa’s development goals.
Read full Guidelines – https://nelga.uneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Tool-Kit-Iteration-9-3-2024_WK.pdf
From Rural Ethiopia to Global Impact: Kedrala Wabela Hussen’s NELGA-DAAD Journey
“Studying with NELGA-DAAD wasn’t just about education—it was about connecting, learning, and making a real impact back home.” – Kedrala Wabela Hussen
Hailing from Dalocha, a district in southern Ethiopia, Kedrala’s early education in a rural setting laid the foundation for his passion for agriculture. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Hawassa University College of Agriculture in 2011 and began his career as a junior researcher in irrigation agriculture at the Southern Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). His quest for deeper knowledge led him to achieve a Master’s degree in irrigation and drainage engineering in 2017.
Kedrala Wabela Hussen’s academic and professional journey embodies the impact of NELGA’s support. A proud 2021 NELGA-DAAD scholarship recipient, Kedrala pursued his PhD in Water Resource Management at the Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV) in Morocco, culminating in a degree on July 22, 2024.
Kedrala’s desire for advanced learning was fulfilled through the NELGA-DAAD scholarship, which opened doors to world-class education and international exposure. During his studies in Morocco, he gained invaluable skills in research data analysis, scientific publication, and climate change adaptation actions. His journey took him to notable forums such as the International Young African Water Professional’s Forum in Marrakech and the International Conference on Water Resources Management and Sustainability in Dubai. These experiences allowed him to exchange knowledge on irrigation practices and bring fresh insights back to Ethiopia.
His research led to the publication of three influential papers focusing on small-scale irrigation schemes, significantly advancing practices in irrigation water management. Kedrala’s work, which explores effective irrigation practices and modelling, aims to ensure sustainable agricultural production and enhance water productivity.
Kedrala’s success story highlights how NELGA’s support through the DAAD scholarship has empowered individuals to make significant contributions to land and water management in Africa. His journey not only underscores the value of international academic collaboration but also illustrates NELGA’s role in fostering expertise that drives sustainable development across the continent.
NELGA – DAAD Research Fellowship in Climate Change and Land Governance
The Network of Excellence for Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is pleased to announce the 2024 Research Fellowship. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for scholars and professionals within NELGA partner institutions to engage in research that addresses the critical intersection of climate change and land governance.
The 2024 fellowship focuses on empowering African researchers to explore key areas such as African food systems, pastoralism, digitalization, and gender dynamics in land rights and aims to strengthen the academic and practical linkages essential for effective land policy reforms across Africa.
Eligible Fields Applicants must have a background in land governance/ land management or a related field (e.g. land administration, land economics, urban and regional planning, geomatics). Proposals covering the following cross-cutting issues will be given special consideration in the field of Climate Change and Land Governance:
- African Food Systems and Land Governance
- Pastoralism, Livestock and Land Rights in Africa
- Digitalization and Land Rights in Africa
- Gender and Land Rights in Africa
Applications are due by 14th October 2024, with the fellowship period starting in January 2025.
For more details click the link nelga_call_for_research_fellowships_2024_climate-english.pdf (uneca.org)