Analysis of the existing rural land legislations in regulating interests on land in the Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

For decades, the absence of land policies has contributed to land degradation in developing countries. The Amhara region of Ethiopia has formulated legislation and registered land. This study examined the impacts of legislation on regulating land rights and restrictions. The study highlights that the legislation has provided landholders with opportunities to secure land rights. However, the study revealed that the existing legislation has gaps in regulating restrictions and responsibilities and lacks land policy; as a result, weak land governance has ensued in the region. To mitigate these problems, the government should formulate a land policy, spatial framework and strengthen land institutions.