LAND GOVERNANCE IN AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD- LESSONS FROM LAND TENURE REGULARISATION PROGRAMME (2009-2018) IN RWANDA
BYAMUKAMA BERNIS
Land is important factor of production. It is the source of livelihood and income for individuals, an economic asset for nations, and an investment asset for many sectors. It is also a driver of conflict. Better access to land is positively correlated to faster economic growth, (Danl Rodrick, 1998). Land tenure rightsthe ability to own, buy or sell land provides greater confidence and assurance for individuals that the land they own can be used for long-term investment; while insecure tenure, restrictive land policies and inefficient land administration systems are formidable obstacles to investment and growth (DFID, 2007). The way the state handles access to land is a good test of its broader commitment to good governance, poverty reduction and respect for human rights (DFID, 2007). Securing land rights for people that are emerging from conflicts can prevent land grabbing by the powerful elites and contribute to critical elements in peacebuilding, stabilisation and economic reconstruction in post-conflict situations (Alden Wiley, 2006). Using land title as collateral to on the other hand can unlock the dead assets and contribute to reduce poverty and inequality (Santos, 2003). Secure access to land provides incentives for people to act sustainably (DFID, 2007); people are more likely to invest in sustainable land practices if they have clear user rights and security against eviction. Clear assignment of rights to property is required to assure individuals that they will be able to enjoy the fruits of any improvements they make on land without fear of expropriation by others or the state (Klaus, Federic 2015). Many developed countries have strong land institutions and laws that protect citizen’s relationship with land and provide land administration services to secure and guarantee land rights (Stig, Robin and Christian, 2016).However, most developing countries are struggling to provide clear rights to their citizens’ over ownership and use of their land and this is a key factor in the persistent land conflicts, and reduced investments on land especially in Africa.
Event: Land Governance in an Interconnected World_Annual World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty_2018
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