Strengthening Ethiopia’s Land Governance: Outcomes of the National Validation Workshop
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.