Institutional Frameworks, Policies, and Land Data: Insights from Monitoring Land Governance and Tenure Security in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia

Within the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework, access to land, its governance, and tenure security play pivotal roles in fostering inclusive and sustainable development. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, Africa’s population will reach close to 2.5 billion. Moreover, the pressure exerted on African lands by climate change has significantly impacted productivity of arable land, thereby affecting agriculture—the continent’s most important sector. Therefore, effective management of land resources and protecting land rights of all citizens are now more than ever essential for attaining sustainable development and social stability. This research paper examines the critical role of land governance and tenure security in fostering sustainable development in Africa, a region facing rapid population growth and climate-related challenges. It analyses the institutional frameworks, policies, and land data availability in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia and how these factors intersect to enhance monitoring land governance and tenure security within the context of the sustainable development goals. The paper explores lessons learnt in these four countries, focusing on SDG indicators related to equitable access to land, secure land rights, and responsible land management practices.