Author: walelign5wk
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)
NELGA East Africa Node Empowers Gender Integration in Land Governance
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) ignited a transformative dialogue on gender and land governance during its workshop held from July 29-30, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Bringing together a diverse group of NELGA experts from policymakers and government officials to academics and civil society leaders made the workshop engaging and successful.
The workshop aimed to equip attendees with the skills to champion gender equality and integrate these perspectives into their work. It facilitated the creation of actionable plans and fostered strong networks among professionals dedicated to advancing inclusive land governance.
With a focus on the intersection of gender and land governance, the workshop delved into how gender perspectives can reshape land policies and practices. Participants engaged in discussions explored NELGA strategies, and shared case studies that spotlighted advances in women’s land rights.
As a result, the event not only enriched participants’ understanding but also set the stage for ongoing collaboration and collective action. NELGA’s commitment to fostering gender-responsive land governance in East Africa was reaffirmed, paving the way for more equitable and sustainable development in the region.
NELGA East Africa Alumni Network launched
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) Eastern Africa Node launched the NELGA East Africa Alumni Network during a workshop held in Dar es Salaam from July 31st to August 1st, 2024. The event brought together NELGA experts, policymakers, researchers, and civil society members to celebrate NELGA’s achievements, share experiences, and build a sustainable future for land governance in Africa.
The workshop emphasised the importance of maintaining strong alumni connections to further NELGA’s mission of improving regional land governance. Participants engaged in discussions on the role of alumni in strengthening the network, ensuring the ongoing exchange of knowledge, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
The workshop’s success was marked by the establishment of a committed NELGA East Africa alumni network that will continue to drive NELGA’s objectives forward, ensuring that land governance in Africa remains inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
EALAN 2024: A Closer Look at ESG in Eastern African Land Governance
The 13th EALAN Annual General Meeting and Conference, jointly organised by the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA Eastern Africa Node, and Ardhi University, took in Dar es Salaam on 2nd August 2024. This event marked a significant step forward in integrating Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) principles into land administration practices across Eastern Africa.
The conference, which followed three intensive workshops on Dispute Resolution in Land Administration, Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Land Rights, and a Write-shop from 29th July to 1st August 2024, brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how ESG considerations can drive sustainable development in the region.
ESG principles, increasingly central to global discourses, were at the heart of the conference. Participants examined the role of responsible land administration in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy, reducing inequalities, responsible consumption, and climate action. The discussions underscored the impact that ethical governance, social justice, and sustainable practices in land use have on communities and the environment.
The conference highlighted case studies demonstrating the successful implementation of ESG strategies, providing a blueprint for other regions to follow. The event deepened the understanding of ESG in the context of land administration and also set the stage for future collaboration and innovation, ensuring that land governance contributes to a more equitable and sustainable future in Eastern Africa.
New DAAD In-Country/In-Region Call for Host Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa
We are pleased to inform you that, the new In-Country/In-Region Call for Host Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa is available on the DAAD programme – LINK. The Call invites academic institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa to apply as In-Country/In-Region Host Institutions for the student intake years 2027 to 2029.
The DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme is pivotal in developing future professionals and academic leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa. This programme offers scholarships for postgraduate studies, focusing on training highly qualified professionals and managerial staff in development-related fields. By supporting universities in their home countries or within the region, DAAD ensures that students receive top-tier education without the need to leave their geographical areas.
If internationalisation is high on your institution’s agenda, you want to attract more African students and strengthen your regional visibility, then apply to become a DAAD host institution. As a host institution with a quota of DAAD scholarships, you can support young African Master and PhD students, sharpen your research profile and benefit from financial stability. Furthermore, DAAD funding as a “mark of excellence” will help you to enhance your reputation as an institution.
The DAAD is seeking host institutions that offer study programmes with:
- excellent academic quality and expertise
- a strong link to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
- a strong focus on employability and practical relevance
- a very good supervision ratio
- a convincing support concept – especially for African female and international students
- a professional marketing approach.
Read More and Apply – DAAD-IC-IR-call-host-institutions-fact-sheet-08-2024.pdf (uneca.org)
The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is 19th September 2024.
Soil is Spiritual, Land is Not Only About Economics
“Soil is spiritual, and land is not only about economics. When understanding land through the soil, it balances its economic and ecological value,” said Shumirai Guzha, an Agricultural Economist from Zimbabwe, during the sixth NELGA short course on the Political Economy of Land Governance in Africa. Guzha’s profound reflection encapsulated the core of discussions held during the course, which saw 75 land professionals from across Africa gather to enhance their knowledge and skills in land governance.
Hosted by the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) and accredited by the University of the Western Cape, the course attracted 630 applications from 41 countries. After a competitive selection process, 94 participants were chosen, with 75 attending the five-day program. The curriculum included topics like land tenure, women’s land rights, urban and rural land administration, and the impact of the climate crisis on land governance.
Funded by GIZ and supported by the African Land Policy Centre, the course featured lectures from leading experts in African land and natural resource governance. Participants, nearly half of whom were women, engaged in deep discussions about decolonising land governance and the ongoing challenges of land grabbing.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Joan Kagwanja, Chief of the African Land Policy Centre, emphasized the course’s significant impact, highlighting the diverse representation from government, civil society, and the private sector, and its role in fostering a new generation of land governance professionals.
International Seminar on Land Governance in Africa and Launch of the NELGA Central Africa Alumni Network
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) conducted the International Seminar on Land Governance in Africa, alongside the launch of the NELGA Central Africa Alumni Network. This event, hosted by the Association of Young Experts on Land Issues (AJEF) and the University of Yaoundé I, with support from the GIZ-SLGA Programme through the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA, took place from June 18 to 20, 2024, both online and in Yaoundé.
NELGA, dedicated to research and capacity building, supports students and young researchers in the land sector through scholarships, fellowships, and improved education. To enhance this support, the alumni network aims to foster connections, circulate job and funding opportunities, provide mentorship, and strengthen NELGA both regionally and continentally.
The NELGA alumni, comprising graduates, program beneficiaries, and NELGA DAAD scholars, are essential for the network’s sustained impact. Their participation is crucial for advancing training, promoting research, and strengthening regional collaboration in land governance.
The seminar featured workshops and interactive sessions focused on effectively leveraging alumni contributions. The outcomes included a clear understanding of the alumni’s role in NELGA’s sustainability, a structured network for ongoing engagement, and actionable strategies for utilizing alumni expertise.
NELGA through alumni experience aims to address land governance challenges, fostering sustainable development and social justice. This transformative event empowered the next generation of land governance leaders and created a more connected and resilient NELGA community.
Call for Papers: Special Issue on “Climate Change and Land Governance” by AJLP&GS
The African Journal on Land Policy & Geospatial Sciences (AJLP&GS) is thrilled to announce an open call for contributions to its upcoming special issue on “Climate Change and Land Governance,” to be published in October 2024. This special issue aims to provide a platform for researchers to disseminate their findings and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of climate change and land governance, targeting African and global scientific communities.
The scope of the special issue encompasses a broad range of topics, including but not limited to land use planning, climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, forest governance, urban planning, nature-based solutions for climate resilience, and policy frameworks integrating climate change into land governance. This is a unique opportunity for researchers to highlight the critical role of land governance in addressing climate change challenges.
Key dates for this call include the submission deadline on August 25, 2024, with the peer review process from August 25 to October 10, 2024. The final camera-ready submission is due by October 20, 2024, and the publication date is set for October 31, 2024.
Researchers interested in contributing should submit their manuscripts to Guest Editor Patrick Opoku at patrick.opoku@knust.edu.gh with a copy to the Editor-In-Chief at nelga@iav.ac.ma.
To read more and apply please visit https://revues.imist.ma/index.php/AJLP-GS/announcement/view/92