Category: News
Empowering Local Government Leaders: Ardhi University and Partners’ Land Governance Training
The Ardhi University (a NELGA member university), in collaboration with GIZ and the Kibaha District Council, organized a targeted training program on September 26, 2023. This initiative united diverse stakeholders, from village leaders to councilors; focusing on enhancing awareness of Tanzanian land law and management practices.
The training comprised three key segments: an introduction to general land matters, in-depth discussions on specific topics including gender-related issues in land management, and an interactive session for questions and open dialogue. By involving leaders at various levels, the program emphasized the vital role these individuals play in responsible land resource utilization.
This collaborative effort not only demonstrates the commitment of Ardhi University and GIZ to promoting good land governance but also showcases their dedication to capacity-building and knowledge dissemination. Empowering local leaders with profound insights, the initiative paves the way for sustainable land use, ensuring equitable benefits for communities and the environment.
In essence, Ardhi University and its partners have taken a significant step towards fostering informed leaders, shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for Tanzania.
Registration Open: NELGA Knowledge Exchange Forum on Integrating Land Rights into National Agricultural Investment Plans
We are delighted to invite you to the NELGA Knowledge Exchange Forum (NEX) scheduled for October 19th, 2023, from 14:00 to 15:15 (EAT). This virtual event, hosted on MS Teams, promises a dynamic exploration of crucial themes surrounding land governance in the context of African agriculture.
NELGA’s Knowledge Exchange Forum is a pivotal platform uniting land specialists, policymakers, practitioners, students, and stakeholders in Africa’s land governance arena. Our focus is clear: to foster the exchange of insights, ideas, and best practices integral to African land administration. In this edition, our spotlight is on integrating land rights into National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIP).
Agriculture’s vital role in Africa’s development spurred initiatives like CAADP and the Malabo Declaration. However, challenges persist, especially in addressing complex land tenure systems. The 3rd Biennial Review report of 2021 highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms. Our webinar addresses this gap by presenting findings from intensive studies in seven African countries.
Key Questions:
- How does ongoing NAIP implementation impact land governance in Africa?
- How inclusive are NAIP processes concerning fair and secure land ownership rights?
- What capacity development is crucial within land administration bodies to ensure secure land ownership rights in NAIPs?
Speakers: Join us for insights from esteemed scholars:
- Emmanuel Sulle, PhD: Assistant Professor & Director of Research, Aga Khan University, Tanzania
- Diane Tapimali: Researcher, Cameroon
How to Participate: To receive an invitation, kindly send a request to info@nelga.uneca.org. Register now and mark your calendar for October 19th, 2023!
For more information, click here.
NELGA Family Congratulates Isata Mahoi, NELGA Focal person on becoming Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
Isata Mahoi, a NELGA focal person, has made significant contributions to the land governance sector in Sierra Leone. With her extensive experience and expertise, she has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable land management practices and ensuring equitable access to land resources.
As a highly educated individual, Isata Mahoi holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Economic Policy. Her academic background, combined with over 15 years of professional experience, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the economic and social aspects of land governance.
Throughout her career, Isata Mahoi has actively participated in peace-building programs and advocacy efforts related to land rights. Her commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering marginalized communities has been instrumental in advancing land governance reforms in Sierra Leone.
As the newly appointed Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi continues to champion inclusive land governance policies that prioritize the rights of women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Her leadership and dedication to sustainable land management make her a valuable asset to NELGA and the land governance sector as a whole.
NELGA’s Role in Advancing Community Land Rights at the Fourth Regional Conference
The Fourth Regional Conference on Securing Community Land Rights in Africa, held in Arusha, Tanzania from September 12-14, 2023, brought together delegates from across the continent to address the critical issue of community land rights.
Delegates at the conference emphasized the importance of implementing community titling processes as a means of protecting rural lands from encroachment and conflict. They recognized that the roles of National Land Institutions vary from country to country. For instance, Ethiopia’s ministry primarily focuses on resolving rural land tenure insecurity through land registration to mitigate conflicts, while Liberia’s Land Authority serves as a central hub for land administration and law enforcement to prevent overlapping functions among ministries.
The conference also candidly discussed common obstacles to effective implementation of the AU agenda on land, including institutional capacity limitations, challenges in educating communities about land policies, and inadequate funding for infrastructure and documentation. Key recommendations included improving land information systems, educating rural communities about land registration, monitoring data trends, and conducting research on land rights.
Dr. Dominico Kilemo, a NELGA advisor for Eastern Africa, highlighted two crucial aspects in line with NELGA’s mission. He advocated for closer collaboration between National Land Institutions and universities to inform decisions and policies regarding community land rights. Additionally, he proposed the organization of national stakeholder forums by National Land Institutions to facilitate robust policy dialogues on this issue.
The conference saw participation from influential development partners like the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), GIZ, and the Tenure Facility. These organizations engaged directly with land institution representatives, addressing concerns, and providing support for community land rights implementation.
In summary, the Fourth Regional Conference served as a dynamic platform for insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and recommendations. These efforts collectively contribute to the pursuit of secure community land rights in Africa, underscoring the importance of collaboration and data-driven decision-making in regional land governance.
NELGA Highlights from the Africa Climate Summit: Land Governance and Climate Change Side Event
On September 7, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) played a pivotal role in an important side event at the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, held at the African Union House/Pavilion, focused on the critical theme of “Effective land use and governance: Pivotal elements in Africa’s efforts towards mitigation and adaptation to climate change,” contributing significantly to broader discussions encompassing agriculture, land, ocean, food, and water.
The session began with opening remarks from the African Union (AU) by Dr. Janet Edeme, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of land governance. She stated, “The key focus of this side event is to explore and ensure a common understanding of experiences from different stakeholders and champion the implementation of the AU Agenda on Land.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa on behalf of AU Commissioner Josefa L.C. Sacko, providing valuable insights into the wide-ranging implications of climate change on land governance.
Following this, expert panel discussions ensued, featuring contributions from distinguished individuals such as NELGA member, Professor Sylvana Rudith King. The panel also included Japhet Seulu, the Chief Operation Officer for Carbon and Conservation at Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) who was also representing the GIZ Climate Resilience and Management of Natural Resources in the SADC Region Initiative; Ms. Marealle Maria Saguti, African Development Bank (AfDB) who spoke about the intersection between climate change, gender, and land tenure; Mr. Japheth Kasimbu the Transhumance Expert at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), who discussed Pastoralists’ Responses to Climate Hazards in the Horn of Africa and Mr. Audace Kubwimana, Africa Regional Coordinator at the International Land Coalition, speaking on the role of people centered land governance in addressing the climate crises and building sustainable food systems in Africa.
The experts emphasized the importance of policy revisions, integrated land-use planning, climate-smart practices, and the intersection of climate change with gender and land tenure, among other critical topics. Professor King highlighted the need for policy implementation, stating, “We need to invest in policy implementation to tackle issues of land governance, increase resilience, and build capacity for smallholder farmers to cope with climate change.”
An engaging Q&A session further enriched the discourse, with active participation from the audience. The side event culminated with messages of solidarity from influential organizations such as the International Land Coalition, GIZ, and various government representatives. Their messages underscored the imperative need for collaborative efforts to comprehensively address climate change.
The side event served as a platform to emphasize the pivotal role of land use and governance in addressing climate change and fostering climate resilience in Africa. It provided an exceptional opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to these pressing challenges. This event marks a significant milestone in NELGA’s unwavering commitment to effective land governance, crucial for enhancing climate resilience across Africa.
Call for Research Grants: Investigating Land and Conflict Dynamics
We are excited to announce the Call for Research Grants on Land and Conflict for the year 2023, presented by NELGA and DAAD. This call invites researchers to explore pressing issues at the intersection of land governance and conflict in Africa.
The research grants offer a unique chance for scholars to investigate specific research topics related to land disputes, resource management, and conflict resolution. By supporting these projects, NELGA and DAAD aim to foster evidence-based policy recommendations and contribute to sustainable land governance practices across the continent.
To find out more about the grant call, including eligibility criteria, application process, and important dates, please refer to the official call document: [Call for Short-Term Research Fellowships 2023]
If you are a researcher passionate about addressing land-related conflicts and promoting peace through research, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Submit your proposal and contribute to advancing our understanding of land governance in Africa.
Relevant links:
Related posts:
Exciting Opportunities for Postdoctoral Research on Land
Postdoctoral Fellowship Call: Unlocking New Frontiers in Land Research
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Call for 2023, jointly organized by the Network of Excellence for Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This prestigious fellowship program aims to support outstanding researchers in exploring the complexities of land in Africa.
The fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to delve into critical issues related to land governance, land rights, and conflict resolution. By fostering interdisciplinary research, the program seeks to generate innovative insights and contribute to sustainable land management practices across the continent.
If you are a passionate researcher with a keen interest in land and conflict studies, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Take the next step in your academic journey and contribute to shaping sustainable land governance in Africa.
To learn more about the fellowship, including eligibility criteria, application process, and evaluation criteria, please refer to the official call document here: [Postdoctoral Fellowship Call 2023]
Relevant links:
NELGA Postdoc Research Themes Narrative
Related posts:
Join Us at the NELGA Post-Doc Research Fellowships Virtual Launch Event!
Are you passionate about land governance in Africa? Do you wish to explore ground-breaking research opportunities? Look no further! The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) is excited to invite you to our highly anticipated virtual launch event, where we will introduce the NELGA Post-Doc Research Fellowships and provide valuable insights into this exceptional fellowship programme.
The NELGA Post-Doc Research Fellowships are designed to support outstanding young scholars and researchers who are eager to contribute to advancements in land governance. Through these fellowships, participants will delve into critical thematic focus areas and gain comprehensive knowledge and expertise.
Mark your calendars for the Virtual Launch Event, scheduled for 10th August 2023, from 13:30 to 16:00 CET. The event will be conveniently hosted on MS Teams.
During this event, experts from NELGA and the African Land Policy Centre will provide in-depth presentations on the fellowship programme. You will gain insights into the eligibility criteria, application process, selection procedures, benefits, and expected outcomes of these fellowships.
The event will cover various thematic focus areas, showcasing the breadth and depth of research opportunities available. Additionally, the virtual setting allows for engaging discussions and networking, connecting participants from diverse backgrounds and locations across the continent.
Attending the event provides an avenue to interact directly with representatives from NELGA, ALPC, and other renowned institutions, clarifying any queries and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the fellowship programme.
Visit the NELGA website’s Contact Us page and express your interest in attending the virtual launch event.
Related links:
NELGA Postdoc Research Themes Narrative
NELGA Postdoc Fellowship Call 2023
Building Bridges for Sustainable Development: Insights from the 12th EALAN Conference
The 12th instalment of the EALAN Annual General Meeting and Conference, a collaborative effort by the Eastern African Land Administration Network (EALAN), Ardhi University, and the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), took place from July 27th to 28th, 2023, in Dar es Salaam. This event is a landmark in the progress of sustainable development via land administration in Eastern Africa.
The conference theme, “Advancing Land Administration in Eastern Africa for Sustainable Development,” opened up insightful discussions on the complex dynamics between human interaction with the land, technological advancements, and societal priorities. These elements have a profound influence on the region’s journey towards achieving the sustainable development goals.
The EALAN Conference hosted engaging dialogues and technical sessions, shedding light on crucial sub-themes. These included land governance and tenure, the impacts of climate change on land use, land acquisition and conflicts, education and research in land administration, land registration and formalization, and pro-poor land management approaches.
The conference provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange between scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse land-related disciplines. NELGA’s participation highlighted the network’s dedication to improving land governance practices in the region, aiming to promote economic development, social justice, and environmental protection.
Advancing Land Policy and Governance in North Africa: Highlights from NELGA’s First International Knowledge Forum
Over 80 academics and practitioners gathered at the Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire (IAV) Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco, for the North Africa Node of NELGA’s first international knowledge forum. The event, which took place on June 20–22, 2023, was inaugurated by IAV Director and NELGA Coordinator, Professor Moha El-Ayachi, and the African Land Policy Centre (ALPC), with the presence of GIZ-AU’s SLGA and GIZ Morocco.
The conference focused on knowledge dissemination and the exchange of research findings on topics ranging from curriculum development and land policy practices to innovative technologies for digital transformation in the field of land governance in North Africa. Participants emphasized the importance of gender inclusion and integrating land policy actions into national policy dialogue. While sustainable development goals were discussed as the main umbrella for developing indicators and activities that inform land policy, participants agreed on the need for policy reforms that consider the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of land development.
Throughout the forum, NELGA North Africa partners presented their thematic and cross-over research on topics such as land governance and sustainable cities in Egypt, the use of digital technologies for the management of natural risks in Morocco, and new land tenure policies as economic partnership frameworks in Mauritania. The conference also provided a platform for experts, doctoral students, and post-docs to present their research on geospatial technologies in land evaluation, planning, and yield estimation. Participants were able to interact with the presenters about the opportunities and limitations of these technologies and the benefits of applying them in the current context of African land governance.
The forum ended with a closing note from Professor Moha El-Ayachi, who emphasized the importance of multistakeholder partnerships in promoting land governance. He reiterated the value of the SLGA program as a strategic component in the collaboration between NELGA NA and GIZ.