Land policy in Namibia
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Date
2000
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Abstract
The research aims at enhancing understanding of critical constraints in carrying out Land Reform in Namibia. The constraints will be examined from policy formulation through legislation to implementation. The study concentrates on commercial land only. It mainly assesses the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, in an effort to identify constraints preventing full or partial implementation of the Act (ACLRA)
Pressure for Land Reform arises from growing disparity between highly unequal, but fixed structure of land ownership, and rapid changes taking place in society. There are many political objectives of Land Reform, including, the strengthening and consolidation of the basis of a new state. The economic objectives of Land Reform are mainly the reduction of absolute poverty and increased agricultural output. In Land Reform, expropriation is politically the most difficult action amongst all instruments
It has been established that in policy formulation, consultation is very important. It has been further established that separation of policy formulation from policy implementation is a constraint. Policy failures come from several sources. It can also be attributed to inadequate problem definition or policy design
The ACLRA does not reflect some of the important policy recommendations in its provisions. The policymaking scene is still dominated by groups with conflict of interests. There is lack of capacities within the implementing organization. The structures set up to implement land policy were inadequate. The Act is full of loopholes, making it difficult to implement. The composition of the LRAC is in itself a constraint
It has been established that the presence of squatters is a manifestation of a land reform that is not well implemented. Squatters are in many categories, including farm invaders and former farm labourers. For the invaders, they must be sent back to where they came from. As for the former farm labourers, they should be accorded priority land settlement
The principle of willing seller willing buyer is a serious constraint and needs to be replaced with other measures in line with the Constitution. One such measure is that compensation should only be paid out for actual development on the land in question. A major lesson learnt is that successful land reform programs are costly. This is however a price worth paying for
It has been concluded that there should be no separation of policy formulation from policy implementation and that all stakeholders, including civil servants should be involved. A conclusion is reached that capacity of the implementing institution should be further developed in the areas of land management and administration. The study recommends a review of the principle of willing seller willing buyer within the confines of the Namibian Constitution. While it is agreed that the productive agricultural system should not be disturbed, this must be balanced with allocating any land to the land-less for productive purposes. There is a need for Namibia to source funding for land reform. It is further established that Kenya carried out a successful land reform from which Namibia needs to learn
Description
Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPP A).
Keywords
Land reform, Commercial farms