Reviewing Policy Tool Options to Tackle Land Fragmentation: Insights for Land Consolidation in Ethiopia

Abstract

 There are arguments for and against land fragmentation. Nevertheless, it is a
serious problem in Ethiopia. It is reaching a critical point that calls for
government policy action. However, studies that can guide evidence-based land
fragmentation tackling policy tools are limited in Ethiopia. Most of the research
in this regard concentrated on fragmentation as a problem and farmland
consolidation as a solution. Hence, the main objective of this article is to review
the different policy approaches and instruments initiated to tackle land
fragmentation in Ethiopia and assess the legal and institutional situation of their
application. To realise this objective, it employs a doctrinal legal analysis and
desk-based review, along with analysing stakeholder input. This article
highlights that land consolidation remains a fundamental and relevant tool for
addressing land fragmentation. It offers policy options including tenure
restructuring, such as parcel exchanges, market-led transactions, and
expropriation, and land-use consolidation or agricultural clustering (cluster
farming, cooperatives, and the like). Comprehensive policies with a focus on
adopting fit-for-Ethiopia policy tools and a dedicated body, such as a land
consolidation commission, are essential for managing fragmentation.