The NELGA Knowledge Exchange (NEx) Webinar on Climate Change and Land Governance, held on January 30, 2025, provided a platform for experts and researchers to discuss the critical intersection between climate change and land governance in Africa.

A key highlight was the special edition of the African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences (AJLP-GS), which has reached over 10,000 readers worldwide.

The session featured insights from Prof. Moha EL-AYACHI (NELGA North Africa Coordinator), Prof. Patrick OPOKU (Guest Editor), and leading researchers, who presented findings from selected articles. Topics covered included land tenure systems in conflict zones, the impact of mining on land use, and smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change.

The discussion emphasized the importance of integrating climate change considerations into land governance. Prof. El-Ayachi noted that the special issue is only the beginning of further research in this field.

The webinar also set the stage for the next NEx session on Gender and Land Governance, with recommendations to enhance outreach, panelist preparation, and audienceengagement. The announcement for the next AJLP-GS special issue is expected soon.

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) 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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.