Advancing Inclusive Participatory Community Based Approaches Towards Fair Transitions and Land Governance in Developing Countries. The Case of Kigali City – Rwanda.

Abstract Access to land remains a critical issue in many developing countries, contributing to hunger, poverty, social conflict, and forced evictions. Challenges in land tenure distribution system come from complex administrative processes, weak institutional frameworks, and fragile legal systems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, informal and customary land tenure systems dominate statutory forms but are often unregistered, leaving many—especially women and marginalized communities—without formal recognition of their land-use rights. This lack of recognition exposes them to conflicts and land grabbing. Advancements in land governance, however, are transforming land management and planning in developing countries, reducing conflicts and promoting inclusivity in both urban and rural areas. This study investigates community participatory approaches as a pathway to fair transitions and inclusive land governance. The research emphasizes the prioritization of local communities’ rights and the adoption of innovative strategies to address land-related challenges effectively. Using Kigali City, Rwanda, as a case study, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 60 randomly selected residents, including women, youth, and the elderly. Additionally, interviews were conducted with a land expert, an agronomist, and a person with a disability. Both primary and secondary data were analyzed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, balancing quantitative and qualitative techniques to minimize bias. Key findings reveal that 82% of participants advocate for using technology to enhance community participation in land governance, highlighting its potential to reduce exclusion and related conflicts. Challenges such as limited high-speed internet connectivity were identified, alongside recommendations for adopting tools like Open Data Kit (ODK) for data collection and creating digital databases to include marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities. This study concludes that advancing inclusive land governance requires leveraging technology, enhancing digital infrastructure, and engaging all stakeholders—particularly marginalized communities—in decision-making processes. The findings underscore the importance of gender inclusiveness and technological innovation in ensuring equitable land governance in developing countries.