Appraisal of Rural Land Certification in Ethiopia in Light of Good Land Governance Parameters: The Case of West Arsi Zone

Abstract

 This study examines the rural land registration and certification in Ethiopia focusing on West Arsis Zone of Oromia National Regional State. It is done in light of good land governance which mainly focuses on key areas of land sector such as, legal and institutional framework, and land information which is maintained by registration and certification of land. Rural land certification of the research area is assessed based on key informant interviews, focused group discussions, personal observation, previous research results, and relevant land laws. The findings of the study reveal that rural land certification is recognized for all types of land holdings by land laws though there are some loopholes. Furthermore, the rural land certification process is decentralized to the extent of Kebele level for making service accessible even though it is affected by lack of capacity. Moreover, the second level rural land registration and certification, which covers all types of rural land holdings, is underway to ensure tenure security. It is mainly meant to solve deficiencies of the first level registration relating to inaccuracy, outdated and incomplete land information. Although the second level certification helps to ensure more accurate data, and accessibility to farmers in terms of cost, it fails to incorporate land use plan, and land value specifically fertility of land which in turn affects the proper use of land and fairness of land taxation. Thus, to ensure good land governance, the second level registration should encompass all land information including land use plan, and value of land. Also, computerized land data should be updated timely to sustain the significance of the registration. Furthermore, there should be public awareness creation activities, building the capacity of the land administration office, and filling gaps in laws especially procedures of updating land data and the consequences of failure to comply with it.