The NELGA Central Africa Pole of Excellence recently hosted its second annual awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding academic work in land governance. In collaboration with the University of Yaoundé 1, and with the support of GIZ and the Africa Land Policy Centre (ALPC), the event aimed to promote research on land tenure, support emerging scholars, and encourage knowledge-sharing across Central Africa.

Held at the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the ceremony highlighted exceptional PhD and Master’s theses that addressed critical land governance challenges. The awards recognized innovative research approaches that contribute to sustainable land management and inclusive policies in the region.

In addition to the awards, winners were offered internship opportunities through GIZ’s Responsible Land Policies Program, providing hands-on experience in land governance initiatives in Cameroon. The initiative is part of NELGA’s broader mission to foster academic excellence and support young professionals in addressing pressing land issues.

The event concluded with a call to maintain strong connections within NELGA’s network, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration to advance sustainable land governance in Central Africa.

“Studying with NELGA-DAAD wasn’t just about education—it was about connecting, learning, and making a real impact back home.” – Kedrala Wabela Hussen

Hailing from Dalocha, a district in southern Ethiopia, Kedrala’s early education in a rural setting laid the foundation for his passion for agriculture. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Hawassa University College of Agriculture in 2011 and began his career as a junior researcher in irrigation agriculture at the Southern Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). His quest for deeper knowledge led him to achieve a Master’s degree in irrigation and drainage engineering in 2017.

Kedrala Wabela Hussen’s academic and professional journey embodies the impact of NELGA’s support. A proud 2021 NELGA-DAAD scholarship recipient, Kedrala pursued his PhD in Water Resource Management at the Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV) in Morocco, culminating in a degree on July 22, 2024.

Kedrala’s desire for advanced learning was fulfilled through the NELGA-DAAD scholarship, which opened doors to world-class education and international exposure. During his studies in Morocco, he gained invaluable skills in research data analysis, scientific publication, and climate change adaptation actions. His journey took him to notable forums such as the International Young African Water Professional’s Forum in Marrakech and the International Conference on Water Resources Management and Sustainability in Dubai. These experiences allowed him to exchange knowledge on irrigation practices and bring fresh insights back to Ethiopia.

His research led to the publication of three influential papers focusing on small-scale irrigation schemes, significantly advancing practices in irrigation water management. Kedrala’s work, which explores effective irrigation practices and modelling, aims to ensure sustainable agricultural production and enhance water productivity.

Kedrala’s success story highlights how NELGA’s support through the DAAD scholarship has empowered individuals to make significant contributions to land and water management in Africa. His journey not only underscores the value of international academic collaboration but also illustrates NELGA’s role in fostering expertise that drives sustainable development across the continent.

The Network of Excellence for Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is pleased to announce the 2024 Research Fellowship. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for scholars and professionals within NELGA partner institutions to engage in research that addresses the critical intersection of climate change and land governance.

The 2024 fellowship focuses on empowering African researchers to explore key areas such as African food systems, pastoralism, digitalization, and gender dynamics in land rights and aims to strengthen the academic and practical linkages essential for effective land policy reforms across Africa.

Eligible Fields Applicants must have a background in land governance/ land management or a related field (e.g. land administration, land economics, urban and regional planning, geomatics). Proposals covering the following cross-cutting issues will be given special consideration in the field of Climate Change and Land Governance:

• African Food Systems and Land Governance
• Pastoralism, Livestock and Land Rights in Africa
• Digitalization and Land Rights in Africa
• Gender and Land Rights in Africa

Applications are due by 14th October 2024, with the fellowship period starting in January 2025.

For more details click the link nelga_call_for_research_fellowships_2024_climate-english.pdf (uneca.org)

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

As the Strengthening Advisory Capacities for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) program approaches its conclusion in 2026, its incredible impact on people’s lives was illuminated during the SLGA/NELGA team’s visit to the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) in Cape Town, South Africa.

The visit entailed a detailed discussion about PLAAS’s sustainability strategies and comprehensive work plan for 2024 and provided detailed perspectives on its collaboration with GIZ and the African Land Policy Centre.

The significance of PLAAS’s role within NELGA as a technical node and its contributions to self-sustainability and regional development was driven home by two colleagues who directly benefited from PLAAS’s research.

Malany Meyer, a community-based activist who works with PLAAS, is from one of Cape Town’s largest and most impoverished townships, Lavender Hill. She recounted her experience of being evicted from her home, retelling her terrifying story of finding her daughter through the dust after a combative confrontation with eviction teams. Malany had initially thought her daughter was away from the vicinity when it happened.

Sandiso Kraai, a graduate of PLAAS’s unique Postgraduate Diploma in Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, the only such course in Southern Africa, gave an impassioned rendition of his time in the programme. As a member of the government and on the opposing side of communities where he has to evict people and face those like Malany – often where his family members live – he said the teachings gave him the language to express himself and the complexity he deals with daily, which made him into a more understanding public servant.

While the SLGA program is coming to an end, the collaboration with PLAAS remains steadfast. PLAAS’s presentation of its strategy and shared lessons provided invaluable guidance in navigating the extrication process.

In a big move for land governance in Senegal, the first Community of Practitioners in Land Management (COPRAF) was officially launched on January 26th and 27th, 2024. This initiative creates smooth professional relations among land practitioners for ongoing progress, knowledge exchange, and the refinement of tools and governance mechanisms. The establishment of COPRAF aims to strategically enhance land management practices.

COPRAF’s inception comes in response to the operational challenges preceding legal frameworks in land reforms. This initiative signifies an opportunity to address operational shortcomings, strengthen observed successes, and pave the way for the expansion of pilot projects.

The project Strengthening Land Governance for Africa (SLGA) – Sénégal Country Package supported the establishment of COPRAF aiming to influence policy decisions and improve the institutional and legal framework of land management in Senegal.

Members of the network have access to specialised resources, training and events that allow them to fuel the development of Senegalese skills in the complex treatment of a land issue with delicate societal issues.

As COPRAF takes its first steps to enhance land governance in Senegal, it stands as a significant step towards collaborative efforts and sustainable land management practices in the region.