Developments in Land Information Management in Rwanda - Support Implications to Land Valuation System

Abstract

Purpose: This paper discusses preliminary results of a study on developments in land administration information management in Rwanda and how they can support provision of reliable market data for land valuation.Design/Methodology/Approach: A desk research approach was adopted to review the land administration information system in Rwanda and the land valuation system. Relevant documents and secondary data were retrieved from Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority and the Institute of Real Property Valuers in Rwanda. The available data and documents were analyzed to find out how the existing land information system in Rwanda could support the land valuation system.Findings: The preliminary findings of this study show that despite developments in the management of land information in Rwanda, there is lack of linkage between the land administration information system and the valuation system. The land valuation system lacks the necessary infrastructure and framework to use the data available or that can be made available in the Land administration Information System (LAIS). There is need for a land databank linked with the LAIS that would provide market evidence data for valuation.Research Implications: The study has the implication for improvement of land valuation practice in Rwanda based on the developments in the land information management.Practical Implications: Market data about land is important in real estate valuation. The results of this study can be useful in establishing a databank of land sales that would provide evidence data to valuers. This would significantly reduce valuation variance and claims from the clients, especially mortgagees.Originality Values: This paper is the first of its kind to investigate how land valuation system can be developed based on the investments made in land information management system in Rwanda.