Governments and regional institutions across Africa are increasingly recognizing the security of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ land rights as one of the key drivers of social peace and sustainable economic development in Africa.
As of 2020, almost 10% of land in 23 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa is owned by Indigenous Peoples or local communities. Indeed, new research has found that Africa saw the greatest increase in legal recognition of community land rights globally—an increase of 12% or 35 million hectares between 2015 and 2020. But, despite best efforts, many of the laws and policies adopted in the last 15 years have yet to be implemented and few opportunities exist for regular peer-to-peer exchanges between national land institutions in African countries.
Initiated in 2017 in Accra and formally established in 2019 in Antananarivo, the African Land Institutions Network (ALIN) is a community of practice created to address this gap. Members work together to reinforce capacities, foster dialogue, and promote information sharing. The Network also serves as an accountability mechanism to measure progress.
Capitalizing on commitments made and lessons learned at previous meetings in Ghana (2017), Madagascar (2019), and Togo (2021), a diverse set of stakeholders, including African ministers and policymakers, government actors, civil society organizations, and international leaders will meet in Arusha to take stock of progress since last meeting.
Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, youth, and pastoralists in Africa are conserving some of the continent’s most biodiverse lands, forests, and watersheds. By working together, national land institutions have a key role to play in protecting both people and the planet for the betterment of all.
Who:
More than 100 participants, including ministers, government actors, regional institutions, civil society as well as community representatives from 13 countries in Africa.
What:
“Fourth Regional Conference of National Land Institutions on Securing Community Land Rights in Africa”
When:
September 12–14, 2023
Where:
Mount Meru Hotel
Arusha, Tanzania
To receive more information or request an interview, please contact Madiha Waris Qureshi at mqureshi@rightsandresources.org or +1 202-374-0834.