USAID Land Governance Activity Quarterly Report, Q4 FY19

The program aims to strengthen land governance in Ethiopia, increase incomes, reduce conflict, and support well-planned urbanization. To achieve these goals, USAID LGA will work in partnership with the Government of Ethiopia, Ethiopian universities and research institutions, and other development partners operating in the land sector. The program is divided into two components: Component 1, Strengthening the Land Governance System, and Component 2, Expanding Communal Land Tenure Security in Pastoral Areas. Component 1 has three sub-components: Facilitate policy reforms and strengthen land administration and land use institutions, Improve technical capacity for suitable land administration and land use planning activities, and Conduct policy-oriented research on land governance and provide scalable solutions. In Quarter 4, FY2019, USAID LGA conducted initial consultations with the National Regional States (NRSs) to introduce the Activity's structure and agree on proposed interventions. Meetings were held with representatives of Amhara, Oromia, Somali, and Tigray NRSs, as well as with the universities of Bahir Dar and Jigjiga. The USAID LGA Contract Officer's Representative (COR) participated in the consultations with Oromia, Somali, and Tigray NRSs. The USAID LGA Steering Committee (SC) was established to provide ongoing support to the Activity. The SC will be responsible for guiding the implementation of the Activity and ensuring that it is aligned with the goals and objectives of the Government of Ethiopia. The SC will consist of representatives from the National Regional States, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other relevant institutions. In addition to the establishment of the SC, USAID LGA also conducted a courtesy meeting with the Somali Region President, who expressed strong support for the proposed interventions in the NRS. The Activity also met with the Vice President of the Tigray NRS, who expressed enthusiasm for the program. The USAID LGA program is expected to have a significant impact on land governance in Ethiopia, particularly in the areas of policy reform, technical capacity building, and research. The program's success will depend on the effective implementation of its activities and the collaboration of all stakeholders involved. The program's progress will be monitored and evaluated through a variety of mechanisms, including regular reporting, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. The USAID LGA program is committed to transparency and accountability, and will ensure that all stakeholders are informed of its progress and achievements. Overall, the USAID Land Governance Activity is a critical program that aims to strengthen land governance in Ethiopia and promote sustainable development. The program's success will depend on the effective implementation of its activities and the collaboration of all stakeholders involved.