Systematic review of the changing land to people relationship and co-evolution of land administration

Abstract

Land to people interaction is an old phenomenon that has occurred throughout human history. The scope and nature of the relationship has been changing over time as a result of continuous and disruptive socio-cultural and technological changes. Human civilizations observed in the past as well as the current rapid technological advancements and high rate of urbanization, along with the need for sustainable development are driving for changes in land to people interactions. However, studies and scientific discourses on examining the changing people-land relationships and the co-evolving need to manage or govern land are scarce. This paper, therefore, aimed to offer an understanding on how the concept of land administration evolved from the complexities involved in the changing people to land relationships. To achieve the objective of the paper, desk review research approach was employed. The review demonstrates that various forms, designations, functions of land administration have been evolved over the history of human being as a response to manage the changing people to land relationships. Thus, it is plausible to assume that the notion of land administration is deeply founded in human history and is one of the oldest professions that support humanity. Finally, this study underlines that land administration as a subject or concept is constantly evolving due to the changing nature of people's perception towards land and it is also expected to continue to co-evolve and respond to address societal needs at a particular time.