ASSESSMENT OF URBAN LAND GOVERNANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context and background Land governance promotes efficient and effective land policy administration. In Ethiopia cities, as in many Sub-Saharan African cities, many land governance challenges such as informal construction of houses and land holding, lack of public awareness of land policy, and eviction of landowners from their tenure were characterized. Those problems are high, especially in Addis Ababa and Adama cities since those cities are the largest in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government is giving attention to minimizing those problems by adopting different proclamations, decrees, regulations, and standards. Goal and Objectives: Therefore, this study assessed the current practice of land governance in the urban development and management bureau in two Ethiopian cities, Addis Ababa and Adama, by using five good governance principles. Methodology: Data was gathered by administering questionnaires. The close-ended questionnaires were distributed to 305 landowners in the study area. Additional data were collected using interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with urban land management and development office experts. Qualitative data were analysed in the form of interpretation and narrative and quantitative data were analysed using statistical software. Results: The study found out that from the five principles of good governance public participation and equality of women were somehow practiced in land governance sectors during the land-delivering process. Land governance sectors were lack transparency and accountability, inefficient performance, and ineffective service. Landowners were confused to judge their satisfaction in land governance sectors service. The study concluded that different findings were made for each of the good governance principles. The findings of this study are utilized to ensure sustainable good land governance for any land governance sector by taking corrective measurements on weak performed principles of good governance. Keywords: Ethiopia, Land Governance, Urban Land, Principles of Good Governance, Assessment