A commentary on Botswana’s 2019 National Land Policy

Abstract

This paper seeks to critically analyze the extent to which the Botswana Land Policy that was approved by the National Assembly in 2019 addresses challenges and opportunities identified during preliminary studies and stakeholder consultations. The paper notes that while matters pertaining to equal access to land and land registration were adequately dealt with, issues pertaining to land markets and illegal sale of land were not addressed at all and those relating to dual grazing rights, degradation of communal grazing land, land administration and multiple land laws and tenure systems were inadequately attended. For example, the policy speaks of a Land Authority for every local area without elaborating on the structure, powers and functions of these new agencies and whether they will replace existing land boards or district councils. The paper concludes with identification of issues that need to be re-examined and/or addressed.