THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS IN RURAL LAND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN AMHARA NATIONAL REGINAL STATE: A STUDY ON FAGITA LEKOMA WOREDA

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.