The latest issue of the African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences (Vol. 8 No. 1, 2025) focuses on the critical role of women in land governance across Africa. This special issue presents a diverse range of research exploring the complexities of gender, land rights, and governance, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities that exist.

From Uganda to Zimbabwe, Cameroon to Kenya, the studies in this issue examine women’s access to land, their role in customary governance, and the impact of policy frameworks on gender equality.

One study highlights the persistent struggles of women in Kakunyu Village, Uganda, in securing land ownership despite existing legal protections. Another investigates how sub-regional efforts are aligning with continental guidelines to promote women’s land rights. In Zimbabwe, researchers take an intersectional approach to analyze urban land corruption, revealing how governance failures disproportionately affect women.

The issue also explores the intersection of land rights with climate change, agriculture, and socio-economic transformation. Studies from Burkina Faso and South Africa discuss how agricultural initiatives and traditional governance structures impact women’s empowerment and land access.

Other contributions address the role of women in agroforestry, the commons, and sustainable land management. This collection of research offers critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and advocates striving to ensure gender-equitable land governance.

Read the full issue https://revues.imist.ma/index.php/AJLP-GS/issue/view/2961

On January 16, 2025, the Moroccan Association of Researchers in Geomatics and Land Governance (AMC-GOF) hosted an insightful webinar on the pressing issue of agricultural land urbanization in Morocco. Supported by the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), the event explored regulatory frameworks and challenges tied to sustainable land governance.

Khalid El Hadri, Head of the Studies Department at the Urban Agency of Kénitra-Sidi Kacem-Sidi Slimane, highlighted critical gaps in the current legislative framework. His analysis revealed the urgent need to strengthen regulations that address unchecked urban development encroaching on agricultural lands.

Prof. Abdelwahed El Idrissi, Director of the Doctoral Studies Center at INAU, presented a detailed analysis of urbanization trends in Morocco, supported by compelling data. His insights focused on the extent of agricultural land loss and the necessity of aligning urban development with long-term sustainability goals.

The discussions underscored the importance of integrating sustainable land governance policies with urban planning to strike a balance between development and the preservation of valuable agricultural resources.

NELGA’s collaboration in supporting this event reflects its ongoing efforts to foster research, dialogue, and practical solutions to Africa’s land governance challenges.

The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA proudly announces the publication of a special issue of the African Journal on Land Policy & Geospatial Sciences (AJLP-GS), dedicated to “Land Governance and Climate Change”. This edition provides an important platform for sharing innovative research and fostering dialogue on the nexus of land governance and climate resilience across Africa.

Climate change poses significant risks to sustainable development in Africa, where land degradation, deforestation, and urbanisation challenges are intensifying. This special issue addresses key topics, including land use planning for climate adaptation and mitigation, forest-based climate solutions, urban planning for climate-resilient cities, and land tenure systems in the context of climate change. By highlighting these critical areas, the journal aims to inform policies and practices that can help African communities adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Contributions to this special issue come from leading researchers and practitioners, offering fresh perspectives on ecosystem-based approaches, sustainable land management strategies, and policy frameworks that integrate climate-smart solutions. This edition not only advances academic understanding but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and development practitioners.

Through this special issue, NELGA reaffirms its commitment to advancing land governance research in Africa and promoting sustainable solutions to the continent’s most pressing environmental challenges.

🔗 Read the full issue here: [https://lnkd.in/eGMWwpwy]

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.

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.

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.