In Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has been hailed for embarking on an intensive decentralization programme. Whereas a lot of literature assumes that decentralization leads to improved service delivery... Show moreIn Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has been hailed for embarking on an intensive decentralization programme. Whereas a lot of literature assumes that decentralization leads to improved service delivery, it is unclear to what extent this is the case in practice, especially when it comes down to decentralized land governance. This paper, which is based on ethnographic research carried out between 2011 and 2013, argues that decentralization of land governance in post-conflict Northern Uganda fails to realize the expected benefits and instead has increased tenure insecurity. Decentralization of land governance gave rise to institutional multiplicity by creating new institutions that add on to the already existing authorities and regulations. Institutional proliferation in land governance that is fuelled by legal pluralism and decentralization results into confusion in land dispute resolution and the failure of institutions to effectively resolve land disputes in post-conflict settings. This exacerbates the dilemma of people who do not know where to go to seek redress to land disputes. While this multiplicity of both statutory and customary institutions creates choices and opportunities for both people and institutions in relation to land governance and in particular land conflict resolution, they are also used by power holders and authorities in political competition at local level, complicating the process of land dispute resolution. The struggle for authority between representatives of the state and of customary land institutions becomes especially problematic because it merges with local and national politics. Show less
Facing problems of land, natural resources and environment, Sahelian governments have become increasingly aware that solutions must be sought first among local communities. These communities, in... Show moreFacing problems of land, natural resources and environment, Sahelian governments have become increasingly aware that solutions must be sought first among local communities. These communities, in association with government at local and national levels, should be responsible for land and natural resource management. This chapter discusses recent land tenure and environmental management developments as they have occurred in Mali. First, a historical summary of the policies followed in Mali with respect to decentralization, land tenure and management of natural resources shows that the strongly centralized government which was introduced in all French colonies was continued after independence by the Malian government. The government regarded itself as the sole authority capable of managing land and natural resources, leaving little room for local initiatives. Events taking place between 1990 and 1992, however, have led to a change in policy: land policy and environmental management are now invariably linked with decentralization. Next, certain legal and institutional constraints concerning the local management of land and natural resources are discussed, with special attention being paid to local management contracts. Finally, political dimensions of improved environmental protection in Mali are considered, focusing on problems of rapid implementation of decentralization and the importance of a durable democracy. Show less
