A Implications of Land Administration for Urban Development in Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Context and background A country's land policy determines land-related benefits for citizens. An effective land administration practice is crucial for urban development. The importance placed on land administration as a public policy goal in Ethiopia is not surprising considering the complex implications of the country and its urban development. The practice of land administration was not based on challenges of urban development in Southern Ethiopia. It has not ensured land ownership, sale, or other means of exchange of rights for citizens. Goal and objectives This study investigated the implications of land administration for urban development in Southern Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the implications of land administration for urban development by investigating the nature of land administration practices that can ensure effective and efficient land ownership and rights. Methodology This study used concurrent triangulation mixed methods. It adopted a random and purposive sample with a sample size of 369 urban dwellers. Key Informant Interviews (KII) and a literature review were utilised to collect data. The collected data were analysed by categorising the themes which were used to report through the tables and charters. Results The results reveal that the land belongs to the state, as captured in Article 40 of the 1995 Ethiopia Constitution, preventing citizens or individuals from directly benefitting from ownership. Land administration does not meet the interests of all the citizens and is ineffective. Alternative land policies should be sought that can ensure effective, efficient and legal ownership able to foster urban development by integrating land administration practices with the existing dynamics of urban development.