Assessment of corruption in decentralized rural land administration in Eastern zone of Tigray Regional National State

Abstract

This study assessed corruption in decentralized rural land administration in the Eastern zone of Tigray National Regional State. The design of the study is cross-sectional based on a descriptive survey involving qualitative and quantitative data type with primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussion whereas secondary data was developed by reviewing different articles. The study used purposive and systematic sampling techniques, hence, 399 household heads, 32 key informants, and 32 FGD discussants totally 463 individuals have participated in the study. The quantitative data that required descriptive statistics were analyzed using Excel, and SPSS whereas data collected through FGD, interview, and document review were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The study revealed that the overall level of corruption in the land administration office is high. It also found that the forms of corruption range from petty to grand corruption due to the absence of transparency, accountability, limited farmers' participation, and the absence of clear land administration policies. Hence, implementing the ethical code of conduct, training to the land committees, land desk, and land tribunals, and on-time solution to complaints are stated as recommendations.