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Functionality of the Land Certification Program in Ethiopia: Exploratory Evaluation of the Processes of Updating Certificates

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  • Logan Cochrane

    (Global and International Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
    Institute of Policy and Development Research, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05 Hawassa, Ethiopia)

  • Sebsib Hadis

    (College of Social Science and Humanities, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145 Dessie, Ethiopia)

Abstract

Ethiopia has implemented one of the world’s most cost-effective systems to document land holdings, the land certification system. After more than 15 years since its launch, questions have been raised regarding its functionality. Specifically, there are concerns about the process of updating land certificates, thus ensuring the certificates and the registry are up-to-date. This exploratory evaluation seeks to provide formative evidence regarding this question, and, if warranted, give direction as to where additional research is needed. We find that in some areas, the mechanisms for updating land certificates are functional and in other areas not. Based upon these findings, we suggest four areas for future research, namely: (1) assessing the extent of non-functionality on a broader scale, (2) investigating the causes of non-functionality and viable options for addressing the cases thereof, (3) how policy can best address uninheritable land due to its small size, and (4) evaluating the viability of the future of rural livelihoods and what services ought to be put in place to enable a transition that provides decent livelihood alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Logan Cochrane & Sebsib Hadis, 2019. "Functionality of the Land Certification Program in Ethiopia: Exploratory Evaluation of the Processes of Updating Certificates," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:8:y:2019:i:10:p:149-:d:275669
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    Cited by:

    1. Shewakena Aytenfisu Abab & Feyera Senbeta Wakjira & Tamirat Tefera Negash, 2022. "Factors Influencing the Formalization of Rural Land Transactions in Ethiopia: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-26, April.
    2. Ayelech Kidie Mengesha & Reinfried Mansberger & Doris Damyanovic & Sayeh Kassaw Agegnehu & Gernot Stoeglehner, 2022. "The Contribution of Land Registration and Certification Program to Implement SDGs: The Case of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Addiswork Tilahun Teklemariam & Logan Cochrane, 2021. "The Rush to the Peripheries: Land Rights and Tenure Security in Peri-Urban Ethiopia," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-20, February.
    4. Bichaye Tesfaye & Monica Lengoiboni & Jaap Zevenbergen & Belay Simane, 2023. "Rethinking the Impact of Land Certification on Tenure Security, Land Disputes, Land Management, and Agricultural Production: Insights from South Wello, Ethiopia," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-25, September.

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