Supporting experts and institutions to advise on land policies across Africa

Context

Across many African countries, inadequate land tenure systems and insecure land rights pose significant obstacles to rural development. Despite political efforts to establish socially and environmentally sound land policies, the practical implementation remains at an early stage. There is a prevalent shortage of experts available to advise decision-makers within relevant institutions. Acknowledging this challenge, the African Union (AU) has tasked the African Land Policy Centre (ALPC) with executing strategies outlined in the AU Agenda on Land to address these land-related issues.

Objective

The African countries are implementing socially and environmentally sound land policy with qualified individuals and institutions.

Approach

The project is part of the special initiative Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems (SI AGER). In partnership with ALPC and dedicated to the efficient execution of the AU Agenda on Land through active support to the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), the project has initiated three key measures:

• Collaborating with ALPC, the project played a crucial role in the establishment and development of NELGA. This network connects over 70 African universities through six regional centres, one technical centre and the continental NELGA secretariat, dedicated to land management and policy.
• Enhancing NELGA partner organisations by providing scientific guidance on land policy processes and facilitating improved data access for monitoring land policy decisions.
• Promoting ongoing education in land management and policy across Africa. This includes implementing a scholarship and research programme in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Last update: March 2024