IGAD 2023 - 2026 Improving Land Governance in the IGAD Region

Key achievements Strengthening of IGAD Land Governance Units capacity to deliver on implementing land governance issues in the region, Development of tools and frameworks to support the Member States in implementing gender responsive land governance. Establishment of coordination mechanisms to support in-country implementation of project activities for effectiveness and sustainability. Redesigned the implementation approach from purely regional programming to more Member States programming, in which regional tools are adapted for improving land governance at national and sub-national levels. Enhanced the coordination and grounding of the regional work within the in-country processes thus providing the program with the opportunity of contributing to Member States land governance priorities. Technical assistance given to Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda while developing and reviewing of gender responsive national land policy processes, through mobilizing multi-stakeholder consultation platforms. Gender responsive and conflict sensitive approaches have been keenly applied with good results regarding women and youths participation. Improved institutional arrangements as one major factor contributing to the success of land administration systems through transforming land policies into practice. Technical working group meetings were held in member states to support the establishment of the Land Reform Unit that will drive the completion of the National Land Policy processes and development of the Land Sector Strategic Investment Plan. The Youth and Land Governance session, led by youth, was also organized to explore strategies for integrating youth into meaningful participation in land governance matters in the region. The 13th Steering Committee Meeting conducted to oversee the progress made in implementation of the IGAD Land Governance Business Plan, identify the challenges and emerging issues and provided strategic guidance on several issues affecting sustainable land governance in the region. It is assessed that despite the progress made in certain areas, delays in implementation of the activities have greatly challenged the progress of the project delivery. The changes in the organizational landscape and operating environment caused the delays in implementation of activities. In addition, most of the activities under the Year I work plan are ground setting and process-oriented undertakings involving a series of national level consultations, development of concept notes and Terms of Reference and procurement of services. There has been a lot of background work undertaken that required significant time for results to be achieved. In terms of lessons learnt flexibility in programming and broad-based consensus building especially when working with the Member States is identified as key reason to success in implementing the contribution. Such approach is found to be critical to ensure ownership and leadership in driving the process forward.

This second phase of this project envisions to build on the gains made over the last few years through Sida's support and has an overall goal of enhancing transnational land governance through capacity development on innovations in land administration, land use and management, strengthening gender equality and youth empowerment in the IGAD Region. The intervention has the following goals, outcome and results. Project Goal: Enhance transnational land governance through capacity development on innovations in land administration, land use and management, strengthening gender equality and youth empowerment in the IGAD Region Project Outcome: The capacity of IGAD and its Member States strengthened to implement land administration reforms through the adoption and implementation of appropriate frameworks and instruments for improved service delivery, gender equality, climate change and conflict transformation. IGADs mandate extends to policy formulation and implementation, capacity development, research and advocacy, and technological transfer. Through these approaches the following objectives will be achieved Project Objectives Enhance further the capacity of IGAD and its Member States to effectively implement gender responsive land administration systems through the application of innovative tools. To build climate resilience through gender responsive and conflict sensitive sustainable land use and management in the Karamoja cluster. To Improve the use and practices of youth empowerment and gender transformative approaches in land use and management. Enhance IGADs capacity to oversee the implementation of the regional land program.