Abstract:
This thesis has attempted to evaluate the role of local government institutions in rural land
conflict management in Fagita Lekoma woreda, Awl Zone, ANRS. The general objective of the
study is to assess the role of local government Institutions in rural land conflict management.
Mixed research approach was employed for this study. The research design used for this study
was descriptive study. In terms of sampling method mostly purposive sampling in support of
proportional sampling was implemented. Three kebeles were selected out of 25 kebeles through
purposively with high prevalence of rural land conflict. Regarding data gathering tools both
primary and secondary data gathering tools were employed. The collected data also analyzed by
quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. The quantitative data are interpreted
through using percentage while qualitative data were interpreted thematically. The findings
indicated that conflict occurred in the study area with a great extent having the effect reaches to
a death of individuals. Regarding the conflict resolution mechanism, Most of the land cases were
managed formally even though the interest of the community was the informal or the customary
one as it reduces time and money maintains the relationship of the party, and it is believed by the
rural community that the customary one is a win-win approach to both parties. The structures of
these institutions are not supportive enough to the rural community in terms of reaching the poor
and the marginalized group which makes them to manage rural land conflict. The findings
indicated that there are different factors that challenge the local government institutions in
discharging their responsibilities; the lack of accountability and transparency of the government
institutions, inadequacy of local government institutions, lack of skilled man power, corruption
and unclear land registration and entitlement mechanisms are main challenge of local
government institutions in managing rural land conflict. The land registration and entitlement
should be made based on technological support with the participation of the local community.
Finally it is better to form different civic societies and traditional institutions which are working
in support of the government to reduce the burden of government institutions in land conflict
management.
