Category: News
Boosting Resilience: Organic Solutions for Africa’s Soil Health and Small-Scale Farmers
The Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit took place in Nairobi from May 7-9, 2024, to address the decline in soil quality across African farmland. GIZ-SLGA through the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa-NELGA, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), showcased a study on “Small-Scale Farmers in the Frame of Climate Change and its Impact on Agricultural Production: Lessons Learned from Nine African Countries”.
Presenting the study, Dr Tchigankong Noubissie highlighted that small-scale agriculture in the Sahelian, Saharan, and Sudanian regions faces significant risks due to unpredictable rainfall, which affects food security. Climate change has led to issues such as disrupted rainy seasons, drought, flooding, and soil degradation, severely impacting livelihoods dependent on rain-fed farming.
To address these challenges, several African governments have implemented national policies to support small-scale agriculture. These policies include redistributing farmland to landless producers and vulnerable social groups and providing direct aid such as food and energy subsidies, tax exemptions, loans, and fertilizer subsidies.
The main argument emphasised the need for small-scale farmers to adopt more resilient agricultural practices amid extreme weather events. He recommended supporting organic farming and reducing pesticide use through participatory processes. This transition would help build healthy soil, retain water, and boost natural nutrients, making crops more adaptable to climate change.
Organic fertilisers should be made accessible to farmers through capacity-building initiatives, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint in African agricultural practices. Promoting organic agriculture not only supports soil and human health but also enhances the resilience of small-scale farmers against climate change.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Land Leaders: NELGA and UGB to Introduce New Professional Degree in Land Governance
In a bold move to transform land governance education in Africa, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) and the University Gaston Berger of Saint-Louis (UGB), Senegal, to launch a Professional Degree in Land Governance. This initiative was the centrepiece of a Curriculum Review Workshop held in the picturesque coastal town of Mbour (Saly, Hôtel les FILAOS) on May 13 and 14, 2024, in partnership with the SEEN SUUF-GIZ.
The workshop drew a diverse and influential group of participants, including government officials, technical and financial partners, academics, researchers, land governance experts, and civil society members. A roundtable discussion was held on the urgent need for advanced training in land governance, highlighting the gaps and opportunities within the current educational framework.
Central to the workshop was the unveiling of the new Professional Degree in Land Governance. Consultants presented a comprehensive project outline designed to equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle land governance challenges effectively. Participants then broke into working groups to delve deeper into the specifics of the curriculum.
The discussions culminated in strong, actionable recommendations for implementing the Professional Degree at UGB, aimed at creating a new generation of land governance experts. Ultimately, the introduction of this Pro Degree aims to train and produce senior technicians in land management, i.e. land specialists for a post-baccalaureate course that concentrates on several areas of expertise, thus embracing the cross-disciplinary nature of land management.
By establishing this degree, NELGA and UGB are taking a significant step forward in addressing the continent’s unique land governance challenges. This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters practical solutions essential for sustainable development across Africa.
Research Forum on Land Policy: Dialogue Promoting Research in North Africa
The Institute Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II (IAV) hosted the Research Forum on Land Policy on the 18th and 19th of April 2024 in Rabat. This event brought together land experts from across North Africa to discuss the different aspects of land governance, particularly those related to land access, natural resources management and urban planning. The objective of this Forum is to promote dialogue between academic institutions and the various stakeholders involved in land governance, to encourage political decision-makers to draw on the results of the research studies carried out, and to advocate public policies that promote inclusive and equitable land governance.
During the forum, participants engaged in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at addressing the challenges facing North Africa’s land management and urban development. The Forum was also an opportunity to report on several studies carried out by NELGA Noth Africa, notably the one exploring the integration of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) into land governance systems in North Africa.
One of the key recommendations emphasised the need to promote sustainable urban planning to accommodate the region’s rapid urbanisation while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity. Achieving social justice and equal access to basic services emerged as another crucial priority, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities and rights to essential resources.
Effective management of land and natural resources was also identified as essential for the region’s development. This includes implementing policies and practices that prevent land degradation, preserve ecosystems, and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Furthermore, promoting community participation and partnerships based on economic and environmental goals was highlighted as a means to foster inclusive decision-making and collaborative action. Engaging local communities in the planning and management of land resources can lead to more sustainable and resilient outcomes.
Empowering Women: Webinar on Women’s Land Access Rights in North Africa
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA NA) organized a webinar focusing on “Women and land access rights in North Africa.” Held on March 28, 2024, the webinar aimed to shed light on the challenges and best practices surrounding women’s land rights in the region.
Throughout the event, leading experts from Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Sudan shared their insights and experiences. Discussions covered various topics, including legal and social reforms, women’s empowerment, access to agricultural land, and the major constraints limiting women’s access to land.
Key highlights included Professor Abderrahim IDRAIS’s presentation on the challenges and opportunities of women’s access to land in Morocco and Professor Dina NAJIB’s insights into the policy framework for women’s access to land in Egypt.
The webinar attracted participants from public institutions, the private sector, civil society, universities, and international organizations. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and exchanged valuable perspectives on the various country’s contexts presented and on the socio-cultural, legal, institutional and financial challenges to women’s access to land in North Africa.
Overall, the webinar served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s land access rights in North Africa.
Deadline Extended -Call for Proposals for NELGA/DAAD Postdoc Fellowship -2024
Good news for emerging researchers interested in land policy in Africa! The deadline for submitting proposals for NELGA/DAAD Post-Doc Fellowships 2024 has been extended to March 25.
NELGA announces the release of Call for Proposals for NELGA Post-Doc Fellowships. We encourage emerging researchers, especially women, to seize this opportunity to enrich their academic careers and make substantive contributions to advancing land policy in Africa.
Successful applicants will benefit from:
* Financial support for their research endeavours.
* Further training on Science Communication and Advocacy for Research Output
* Financial support for scientific publications
* Networking opportunities fostering collaboration and exchange with peers For
In addition to that, DAAD plans to offer a VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION for interested applicants on 22nd February 2024, 11:00 CET (Central European Time).
The main language of the event will be English, but information materials will be translated into French. Questions & Answers will be in both English and French.
We look forward to the submission of your proposals and to welcoming you to our virtual info session!
comprehensive details and proposal submission guidelines, please refer to the attached Call for Proposals and visit the DAAD SLGA page.
Strengthening Land Governance: Highlights from Uganda’s Capacity Development Workshop
In a bid to fortify Uganda’s land administration system and enhance sustainable development, key stakeholders convened for a Capacity Development workshop happened 29th January 2024 leading to a training of Master trainers that was conducted from February 12th to 23rd, 2024. Supported by Strengthening Advisories Capacity for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development (MLHUD) of Uganda, the workshop marked a significant step towards enhancing expertise and resources vital for effective land governance.
During the workshop, participants, including representatives from government bodies, academia, and development partners engaged in validating essential components such as capacity needs assessment, syllabi development, and criteria for selecting master trainers. Emphasising collaborative efforts, the initiative aimed to lay the foundation for a comprehensive strategy tailored to Uganda’s unique land sector needs.
A highlight of the capacity development strategy was the training of master trainers, tasked with cascading knowledge to district and sub-county levels. Focused on thematic areas such as land administration, physical planning, and conflict resolution, the training aimed to equip trainers with the necessary skills to drive transformative change in land governance across the country.
The SLGA program played a crucial role in supporting and facilitating the workshop and the training, further underscoring the commitment of local governance structures to effective land governance. This initiative underscores Uganda’s commitment to equitable resource allocation and sustainable development, positioning the land sector for enhanced effectiveness and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
Bridging Gaps in Research Communication
NELGA concluded a Research Communication Workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from March 5th to 7th, 2024. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for participants, including academicians, researchers, policymakers, civil societies, and private sectors, to refine their skills in effectively communicating research findings.
The workshop aimed to enhance the visibility and accessibility of NELGA’s research endeavors. By employing the principles of Design Thinking (DT), the workshop facilitated collaborative engagements among researchers, the private sector, and the media. This approach addressed various challenges faced by stakeholders in accessing and comprehending research, ensuring that valuable insights could reach a wider audience.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in activities structured around the Empathize and Define Ideate Prototype, and Test and Reflect phases. These activities fostered collaborative idea generation, prototype development, and the presentation of communication materials and policy briefs. Participants demonstrated dedication in crafting tangible outputs, including engaging digital content and effective policy briefs.
Looking forward, NELGA anticipates the production of a series of policy briefs enriched by diverse perspectives. These briefs will be disseminated through NELGA channels and shared on different platforms. Additionally, participants will gain access to exclusive opportunities, including networking through the NELGA Alumni Network and potential funding opportunities like the NELGA Post Doc Fellowship.
The success of the Research Communication Workshop lays the groundwork for continued collaboration.
NELGA Central Africa: Methodological tools made available to young researchers working on land tenure issues
The 2024 edition of the Methodological Seminar for doctoral students working on land tenure issues was held at the University of Yaoundé 1 from 27 to 28 February 2024, at the initiative of the Central Africa node of the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA).
The seminar aimed to train young researchers from Central African universities, particularly those enrolled in doctoral programmes, in the problematisation and construction of research subjects by introducing them to the understanding and handling of the most appropriate tools and techniques in their fields of specialisation, and to bring young researchers up to speed on the best practices and approaches for problematising research topics on the issue of the environment and sustainable development.
In addition to presenting NELGA Central Africa and its achievements, challenges and prospects, the two-day seminar focused on sharing knowledge and best practices on research methodology in social science (from a socio-anthropological and geographical perspective), in land law, the ethical implications of land law, the spatial dimension of land data with a focus on tools and methods, data processing and data collection tools, and localisation and exploitation of ressources .
The key suggestions emphasized the value of blending different types of information, like both qualitative and quantitative data, when conducting research. The significance of upholding ethical standards consistently throughout the research process has also been stressed. Additionally, students were urged to actively engage in or become part of established networks and communities of young researchers.
Unlocking Opportunities: NELGA’s Contributions at GIZ LandHub 2023
NELGA played a significant role at LandHub 2023 in Bonn, Germany. During the event, NELGA members actively participated in Technical Session 1, focusing on the connections between youth employment in the land sector, the Rio Conventions, and the SDGs.
This engaging session included discussions on “Unpacking linkages between youth employment in the land sector, the Rio Conventions, and the SDGs,” as well as a “Comprehensive analysis on the Rio Conventions and youth employment in the francophone and Anglophone areas.”
Speakers, such as Dr. Arno Sckeyde, Dr. Désiré Tchigankong, Dr. Madiodio Niasse, and others, explored how the Rio Conventions relate to youth employment in Africa. They presented comprehensive analyses based on case studies from Senegal, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Botswana, highlighting the significance of green jobs in addressing youth unemployment, particularly in agriculture, forestry, mining, and fisheries sectors.
Key takeaways stressed the need for collaboration between governments and training institutions to align education systems with land policy needs. Encouraging formalized economic activities for youth, promoting sustainable development, and supporting initiatives through capacity building were highlighted as crucial steps.
NELGA’s active engagement in this session underscores its commitment to shaping sustainable land governance in Africa.
Get full report – LandHub 2023 Report draft.docx (uneca.org)
Call for Applications NELGA Research Communication Workshop
We are excited to share with you the Call for Applications for an upcoming workshop on NELGA Research Communication. This workshop aims to improve the visibility and accessibility of NELGA’s research findings, ultimately promoting better cooperation between research and policy.
The workshop agenda includes engaging presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions that delve into the practical aspects of land governance in Africa. Expert speakers and facilitators will be on hand to share invaluable tools and strategies for effectively communicating research findings. Participants will also receive access to personalised coaching and mentorship sessions following the workshop.
- Application Process
To apply for the workshop, please submit a proposal and a short biography.
Please see more information attached and follow the Link for the Application Form here.
- The Deadline for applications is January 17th, 2024, 4 pm EAT.
- Location and Date: 3-day physical Workshop between February – March 2024 (TBC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (TBC).
We believe that your participation in this workshop will not only broaden your horizons but also empower you to make a meaningful impact in the field of land governance. We look forward to receiving your applications. Please share widely within your respective networks.
The travel costs and accommodation will be covered by PROMAN, whom the GIZ-SLGA programme has contracted to implement Technical Support to NELGA on Research Communication.