Author: walelign5wk
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
Empowering Botswana’s Land Management with NELGA’s Support!
The Ministry of Lands and Water Affairs (MLWA) of Botswana, supported by the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has made significant progress in developing a comprehensive Land Management Strategy (LMS). Between March 17 and May 30, 2024, the ministry conducted a series of stakeholder engagement workshops nationwide to gather insights and foster collaboration.
These workshops, part of the ‘Strengthening Advisory Capacities for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA)’ program, aimed to create an inclusive platform for engaging multiple stakeholders on the National Land Management Strategy. Key objectives included introducing stakeholders to the draft LMS, gathering feedback, and conducting an initial assessment of land management processes in Botswana.
NELGA played a crucial role in facilitating these engagements, leveraging its expertise to ensure a thorough understanding of the needs and challenges faced by different stakeholders. Participants included government officials, local authorities, community leaders, and representatives from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to developing an effective LMS.
Highlights from these workshops included presentations by key figures such as Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi and Mr. Loyd Sungirirai, as well as active participation from local community leaders. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to land governance.
As development of the LMS continues, insights and feedback from these engagements will help shape a strategy that promotes sustainable and equitable land management in Botswana.
MOOC on Land Conflict Management Launched on Atingi
Addressing the challenges of land conflicts, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA has launched a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Land Conflict Management. Developed by the University of Yaoundé I (UYI) in collaboration with the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and GIZ, the course equips learners with tools to tackle land conflicts effectively.
The MOOC is structured around five modules: an introduction to land conflict management, the foundations and consequences of land conflicts, typologies and manifestations of land conflicts in Central Africa, prevention of land conflicts, and resolution of land conflicts. By the end of the course, participants will gain a deep understanding of land conflicts and practical strategies for preventing and resolving them.
The course is hosted on the Atingi platform – a user-friendly interface. The self-paced format is designed for professionals, students, and stakeholders in land governance, making it accessible to all.
If you complete the course, you will earn a certificate of completion from NELGA, enhancing your credentials and career prospects. Additionally, the course fosters a community of learners and experts dedicated to addressing real-world challenges in land governance through online workshops and continuous engagement.
Join the learning journey with Atingi’s MOOC on Land Conflict Management. Register today on LandConflict | atingi and become a leader in land governance.
For more information and to access the course, visit LandConflict | atingi. Join our growing community of learners and make a lasting impact on land governance in Central Africa.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Considerations in Land Administration for Sustainable Development
The 13th EALAN Annual General Meeting and Conference jointly organised by the NELGA Eastern Africa Node through Eastern African Land Administration Network and Ardhi University will take place on 2nd August 2024 in Dar es Salaam. The conference will be preceded by three parallel training workshops on Dispute Resolution in Land Administration, Promoting Gender Equality and Women Land Rights and Write-shop from 29th -1st August 2024.
Conference Theme
Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)
The Conference Title
Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Considerations in Land Administration
Conference Description
Environmental and Social Governance principles (ESG) are increasingly dominating academic and professional discourses around the world. The principles are fundamental in guiding both public and private organisations on securing the natural resources for future generations, promoting social relations and justice; and transparent governance by the organisations. ESG principles underpin the need for responsible investment in land and natural resources that subsequently will lead to sustainable development. Further ESG considerations are crucial in realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals in particular Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production, and Goal 13: Climate action. Responsible land administration plays a crucial role in realizing the UN Sustainable Goals as well as enhancing efficient land use, protecting and improving natural resources.
A day-conference on the theme ‘ESC Consideration in Land Administration for Sustainable Development’ is proposed to identify and determine what role should EALAN members be engaged in implementing ESG strategies. The proposal is for a keynote address that will address the important ESG strategies in the context of land administration in Eastern African region with special focus on requirements for enhanced standards of ethical conduct in business and a commitment to sustainability and social justice. There will also be panel sessions that will demonstrate implementation of ESG strategies in respective case studies.
Call for Contributions
NELGA Eastern Africa welcomes abstracts (preferably research outputs) covering a broad range of the following sub-themes:
- Environmental responsibility in reducing carbon footprint (legal frameworks)
- Impact of climate change on real estate business
- Inclusive and diverse work ethics and practices in land-based businesses
- Social responsibility in land sector- (access to land, inequality, gender relations etc)
- Ethical, transparent and accountable principles in land administration – case studies in land acquisition and involuntary resettlement or any appropriate
- ESG principles in the context of World Bank Environmental and Social Standards
Submitted abstracts should indicate the SDG being addressed.
Timelines
- Deadline for submission of abstracts 12th July 2024
- Acceptance Notification 22nd July 2024
- Deadline for submission of PowerPoint presentations 29th July 2024
- Format of abstract: 250 – 300 words
Submit your application to ealanconference@gmail.com
Contacts:
Dr. Agnes Mwasumbi NELGA EA Coordinator Phone: +255 (755) 382-622
email: anmwasumbi@yahoo.ca
Dr. Hidaya Kayuza
LOC Chairperson
Phone: +255 (754) 277128
Email: hidaya.kayuza@gmail.com
Dr. Dominico Kilemo
LOC Secretary
Phone: +255 (757) 370 856
Email: dominico.kilemo@giz.de
Empowering Africa’s Land Governance through Education: NELGA’s Role at FIG Working Week
Africa’s journey towards sustainable land governance is characterized by the collective efforts of stakeholders, including academic institutions, multilateral organizations, and government bodies. Recently, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) actively participated in the FIG Working Week held in Accra, Ghana, from May 19th to 24th, 2024.
NELGA’s engagement revolved around the theme of “Spatialities: Land, spatial development, and climate change.” Through insightful sessions, experts explored the intricate relationships between land, spatial planning, and climate change, offering innovative solutions for sustainable land management across Africa.
NELGA also shared “Good practices of African academic institutions in responding to the needs of the land sector.” This session emphasized the pivotal role of higher education institutions in shaping land governance’s future through curriculum development, evidence-based decision-making, and capacity building.
Chaired by Prof. John Tiah Bugri, Coordinator of NELGA West Africa, the session provided a platform to discuss best practices in land governance curriculum development, graduate integration into the labour market, and evidence-based decision-making.
NELGA also shared insights into its contributions to the AU Agenda on Land implementation and policy reform.
The engagement underscored the imperative for continued collaboration and innovation in land governance education. It emphasized platforms like NELGA in driving positive change across the continent. Through its participation, NELGA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Africa’s land governance through education, research, and collaboration, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future.