Critical Gaps in Land Governance with Respect to the Land Registration System in Ethiopia

Abstract

Land registration is a useful land information system practised in almost all modern nations. It is also true that many land registration systems fail due to a number of reasons. This article investigates whether the land registration system in Ethiopia has given due attention to sound land governance components which are critical for the success of any land registration system. Doctrinal and content analysis of legislative documents of Ethiopia is applied to this end. Desk review of relevant secondary material was also used. The article discusses the general role of good governance in such systems and shows the benefits of a land registration system that is exercised under good governance. A conceptual framework is used by which the land registration governance system of Ethiopia is weighed. I argue that the land registration system of Ethiopia has major gaps of land governance. Good land governance in land registration of the country could be enhanced by the provision of adequate legislative and policy framework, effective land registration institutional organs and efficient processes for the enforcement of the system.