AN ASSESSMENT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES IN LAND ADMINISTRATION: THE CASE OF WOLKITE TOWN, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

The importance of good governance as a critical condition for land administration can no longer be under estimated in both developed and developing societies. The purpose of this study was to assess good governance practices in land administration pertaining to transparency at wolkite town, Ethiopia. A cross sectional survey research design was adopted whereby data was gathered through questionnaires, key informants interview, focused group discussions and document analysis. A total of 384household heads, 15 focus group participant and 12 key informants were involved for the study using random and purposive sampling methods, respectively. Data collected by survey questionnaires was entered SPSS for statistical analysis; and data collected by focus group discussion and interviews were analyzed qualitatively; and used for the purpose of triangulation. The study found that the extent of clarity and accessibility of land laws, rules and regulations; and the extent of transparency of land use, allocation and distribution was very low as perceived by the respondent residents. The study further revealed that the decision making process was not open and participatory. The major challenges of land administration in the study area were corruption, bureaucracy, political interference, poor management and incompetence .The study concludes that the land administration system is not transparent based on views and experiences of residents and focus group respondents. The study recommended that enlighten urban residents on laws, rules and regulations, ensuring accessibility of information, capacitating service providers and increase application of information communication technologies were essential to ensure good urban land governance and administration in the study area