Ensuring that policy decisions are based on evidence
Dr Janet Edeme is the Head of the Rural Development Division and the Acting Head of Agriculture and Food Security Division of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. In our interview, she explains why the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) is so important. GIZ provides support to the network.
Why is NELGA critical to the African Union’s policy agenda?
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa plays a pivotal role in operationalising the AU’s vision for effective land governance and administration. It directly supports the implementation of the African Union Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges in Africa, which emphasises equitable access, tenure security, and sustainable land use. Through its tailored academic and capacity-building programmes, NELGA contributes to inclusive social and economic development, a cornerstone of AU’s Agenda 2063.
By investing in the next generation of land governance experts through scholarship programmes, NELGA equips young Africans with the skills to tackle pressing challenges such as land tenure insecurity, resource mismanagement, and gender disparities in land access all of which are highlighted in AU policy frameworks.
How does NELGA support curriculum reform across AU Member States?
NELGA is instrumental in modernising and harmonising land governance curricula across African universities. Guided by the African Land Policy Centre’s curriculum development framework, NELGA ensures that academic programmes are aligned with the AU’s strategic objectives. This harmonisation fosters a shared understanding of land governance principles and promotes continental coherence in policy implementation.
The network’s influence is evident in the growing cadre of scholars and professionals who are driving reforms in land administration systems, consistent with the AU’s commitment to capacity development and institutional strengthening.
How does NELGA ensure that research informs policy?
NELGA bridges the gap between scientific research and policy formulation, ensuring that AU Member States base their land-related decisions on credible, context-specific evidence. Through its network of universities and research institutions, NELGA generates expert analyses, contributes to policy dialogues, and supports the development of national land policies.
At the continental level, platforms such as the Conference on Land Policy in Africa (CLPA) co-convened by the AU serve as vital spaces for researchers and policy-makers to exchange insights, debate solutions, and co-create policy responses. This approach reinforces the AU’s commitment to evidence-based policy-making, a key principle in the African Union Policy Frameworks.
‘NELGA contributes to laying the foundations for inclusive social and economic development in Africa.’