African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences (Nov 2024)
The Land Acquisition and Resettlement Frameworks for Irrigation Sector in the SADC Region: Strengths and Bottlenecks
Abstract
Many governments in developing countries have embarked on irrigation projects. However, concerns on the effectiveness of the current Land Acquisition Frameworks (LAFs) remains as evidenced by widespread displacement of Project Affected Peoples(PAPs) without adequate compensation, resulting in social unrest and prolonged legal battles. Displacement interventions as part of compensation are often not very clear and not fully supported by national legislation and polices that are clear. It is becoming difficult to implement some of irrigation projects due to land acquisition and resettlement issues. This will still be a challenge with rapid population increases which are exerting pressure on land and the human rights watches actively operating in this sector, unless policies and legislation are responsive to current demands. The paper examines the landscape of LAFs and its inclusion or exclusion of resettlement provisions looking at how enabling the current frameworks are. These issues derail progress if ignored. The study is therefore very relevant to identifying bottlenecks in current frameworks and to generating insights for the development of all-encompassing/holistic and responsive land acquisition and resettlement frameworks. This would promote better livelihood of PAPs, fairness and justice. PAPs would easily accept and own projects. Using mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. Secondary data is used from to examine land acquisition framework documents from all SADC countries, selected irrigation project documents, national land policy documents and other donor project reports. Results show that land acquisition is fairly regulated in SADC countries with all countries having Land Acquisition Acts or laws. However, resettlement processes often lack transparency and accountability, leading to grievances among affected communities. Many resettlement programs fail to adequately compensate displaced individuals or provide them with viable alternatives for livelihoods, exacerbating socio-economic disparities and hindering sustainable development goals. There is need to address these inadequacies if land acquisition and resettlement of PAPs will minimize associated trauma.
