Sierra Leone: 'Attitudinal Change is Rhetoric' - Says Int. Crisis Group Aug 25, 2009
As was in the case of confidence building measure, the Group called on the Peacebuilding Fund to support the Koroma government's efforts to forge political consensus and improve accountability, including by funding implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations and countrywide consultations on a National Development Plan and land tenure reform. "Use the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) strategically to support public consultations, consensus building and policy development... (allAfrica.com)
Liberia: Secretary Clinton's Address to Liberian National Legislature Aug 18, 2009
Land tenure issues that remained persistent impediments to economic progress have resulted in the legislature taking the important step in passing the Land Commission Act. Your president is working hard to build a competent and professional security sector, and all of Liberia can take pride in the fact that this nation now has free and compulsory education for primary school children, including your girls. (allAfrica.com)
Stop Jeremiah before it gets too late Aug 16, 2009
We all know Moses; he is not only an International Scholar, but a person of great traditional cultural background, with a curious knowledge of the Land Tenure System in Ghana and particularly in Northern Region and the Bole traditional ... However, you and I know that such a confrontation is inevitable if the Land Tenure system is not settled, if the Bolewura and his son Jeremiah are given a blank check to deposit any amount they can possibly extort from people of Gonjaland in land deals, into... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Africa: Agriculture Can Lead Poverty Reduction [interview] Aug 6, 2009
Land tenure is considered a key factor for credit, security of investment, control of labour, gender inequality ... We have a lot of programmes on land tenure and its connections - gender, deforestation, irrigation, policies, traditions ... We are conscious that unless the land tenure problem is at least controlled you cannot improve agricultural production. (allAfrica.com)
Ghana launches Agric Sustainable Land Management Strategy Aug 6, 2009
"The situation is further compounded by increasing pressures from other land users and traditional land tenure systems that do not invest in land improvement by farmers." he added. Mr Ahwoi said sustainable management of land should be an option in order to arrest the degradation in view of climate change. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ghana Has No Founding-father Jul 25, 2009
For example, in the 1890s, some members of the educated elites from the coast, constituted themselves into what was to be known as the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society whose terms of reference, was to protest a land bill that threatened traditional land tenure. This protest, in the larger measure, ignited not only political action but also consciousness that finally led to independence. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nigeria: Days of Militancy Are Over, Says Yar'Adua Jul 21, 2009
He said: "Bayelsa State development agenda is in furtherance of the Federal Government's smoothly articulated seven-point agenda, involving provision of critical infrastructure, resolution of the Niger Delta crisis, assurance of food security, development of human capital, review of the land tenure and home ownership systems, national security and intelligence and wealth creation.". Sylva boasted that if his administration had failed to complete the various projects that the President... (allAfrica.com)
* FEATURE : Kenya projects threaten livelihoods Jul 20, 2009
Such tussles expose the sensitive question of land tenure in Kenya, where it is categorized as either government land, freehold or trust land. Government land is that which formerly belonged to the British colonial government and was handed to Kenyas government after independence, while trust land is in the hands of county councils. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Mozambique: Conference Seeks to Entice American Companies to Southeast Africa [interview] Jul 15, 2009
Implementation of the U.S.$507 million MCC Compact with Mozambique which focuses on roads, water and sanitation, land tenure, and agriculture is proceeding well, with many engineering and design contracts already signed. Companies from around the world have bid and won MCC contracts. (allAfrica.com)
Profile: Liberia's 'Iron Lady' Jul 7, 2009
She also promises to "revisit the land tenure system" in order to remove a potential source of dispute between Liberia's rival ethnic groups. At present, much of Liberia's land is controlled by local chiefs. (BBC News -- Africa)
Sudan: Can Local Investors Beat Foreign Investment? Jul 6, 2009
The current land tenure system is under review at the moment, and the government hopes to make some changes to it in the year ahead, through the launch of a series of Land Commissions. "This is a very important issue," says Elshafie. (allAfrica.com)
Fiji constitution plan unveiled Jul 2, 2009
He also pledged an overhaul of the country's complex system of land tenure, in which indigenous Fijians own 90% of the land. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Banda chiefs not happy about their non-involvement in land issues Jun 28, 2009
He emphasized that "the settlers cannot claim ownership of any part of Banda stool lands since there is no land tenure system in our area. All Banda Stool lands are under the ownership of the paramount chief of Banda, the rightful owner of the land and to whom the settlers pay royalties in cash or in kind". Okokyeredom Sito emphasized that feasibility studies carried out before commencement of the dam project identified the paramount chief as the sole owner who should not be excluded or... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes Sixth PRGF Review for Benin and Approves Increase of Financial Support by US$14.4 Million Jun 25, 2009
The authorities also intend to privatize Benin Telecom, restructure the electricity company, streamline procedures and improve capacity at the Port of Cotonou, and strengthen the judicial system, land tenure, and financial supervision. The authorities fiscal policy response to the crisis is projected to result in significant financing gaps in 2009 and 2010, requiring additional budget support from the donor community. (IMF News)
Problems in the developing world Jun 5, 2009
In conclusion, to surmount the above problems, more institutions for health and education, more effective and efficient public administration, political administration more representative of the will of the people with good governance, changes in the land tenure system, extension of rural credit assistance to farmers, modernization of business procedures, mechanisms of capital formation and the changes in the usual size of families are required. We also must strive for high living standards and... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
NGO kicks against Jatropha production May 29, 2009
Speaking at a day's workshop in Accra, on Thursday, Mr Bassey urged African countries, to resist the "sugar coated" decision, since it would further deepen the continent's food and water crises, sanitation problems, poverty and land tenure difficulties. The workshop was a side event organised by FOE to "discuss challenges pertaining to biofuel development," "myth of marginal land right" and "global food crisis, policy option for Africa". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Stand up to Sudan's thugs May 29, 2009
Land tenure, migratory rights, compensation for losses, wealth-sharing and development assistance, true power-sharing all are fundamental to reaching beyond an uneasy cease-fire to attain a just peace. This is of course well known to the brutal and calculating men in Khartoum, and precisely the reason why they obstructed the conference. (Yahoo News)
Deforestation 'faster' in Africa May 26, 2009
Action on land tenure could help to halt deforestation, slow climate change and alleviate poverty, says the report, entitled Tropical Forest Tenure Assessment: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities. The study was presented in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, at a meeting of forest community representatives from Africa, Latin America and Asia. (BBC News -- Africa)
Mozambique: Contracts Signed On Nacala Dam Study May 23, 2009
1 million for land tenure services, and 17. 4 million for a farmer income support project. (allAfrica.com)
Zambia: Outlaw U.S. Dollar Usage - Zibac May 22, 2009
The conference also called for a predictable export policy, especially for food grains and to improve land tenure systems and security of title. For infrastructure enhancement, it was recommended that there should be cost-effective tariffs at Zesco, while managing it commercially, reviewing efficiency and reviewing the firm's salary structure. (allAfrica.com)
NT upgrades 20 towns to tackle disadvantage May 21, 2009
The Government says it needs secure land tenure to underpin growth and investment, but it is yet to determine the length of leases. The Federal Government has previously announced it will only fund new housing if Aboriginal land councils grant minimum 40-year leases. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Caza Oil & Gas, Inc.: Announces First Quarter Results May 14, 2009
These variables include but are not limited to, available bank lines, natural gas production from existing wells, results from new wells drilled, commodity prices, cost overruns on capital projects and regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production and availability of markets. As these variables change, liquidity risks may necessitate the Company to conduct equity issues or obtain project debt financing. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Uganda: Commercial Forests Need Land Tenure Security May 10, 2009
com: Uganda: Commercial Forests Need Land Tenure Security (Page 1 of 1). Uganda: Commercial Forests Need Land Tenure Security ... Kampala A SECURE land tenure system and strong public institutions should be established to facilitate the fast growing private forest plantations. (allAfrica.com)
Shiver me timbers: Forestry executives are jittery over NDP's plans May 8, 2009
The forestry executives are correct in saying the NDP would change the land tenure system for the publicly owned forests, he also said. But they misconstrue what the NDP are proposing. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Commercial Farming May 5, 2009
Feature Article of Tuesday, 5 May 2009. Feature Article of Tuesday, 5 May 2009. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Rawlings Calls For Efficient Land Administration System May 5, 2009
The problem, he stated had been caused by the plurality of land tenure and management systems in Ghana as they are poorly articulated and increasingly cause problems of contradiction and conflict. A communiqu issued at the end of the two-day conference said: Land reform, land restitution and land ownership are at essence a political problem continent-wide. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Africa: Sharing Knowledge to Improve Lives May 5, 2009
Traore envisions the information being used to highlight issues of land tenure, serve as a tool in conflict resolution or guide implementation of conservation measures like contour-ridge tillage, which maximises water retention and protects soil from erosion, but requires resources and expertise beyond the reach of an individual farmer. The pictures could both clarify the potential of joint efforts among neighbouring smallholders and provide hard data that will help them make their case to find... (allAfrica.com)
Bill to allow Kahana leases could win Legislature's OK May 5, 2009
Soliven said her family members have been in a kind of a limbo for eight years, wanting to improve their house but unable to do so because of the threat of losing their land tenure ... Soliven said her family members have been in a kind of a limbo for eight years, wanting to improve their house but unable to do so because of the threat of losing their land tenure. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Zimbabwe: White Farmers Get Offer Letters Apr 29, 2009
Adv Dinha told some of the white farmers who received him on his tour of Guruve on Friday that the Land Reform Programme was not racist in principle but the fact of the matter was that colonial land tenure policies were skewed in favour of whites. "The Land Reform Programme was meant to redress the colonial land imbalances which, unfortunately, were in favour of people of your race. "That is why the Land Reform Programme appeared as if it targeted people of your race," he said. Adv Dinha said... (allAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai Sets Up Farm Probe Team Apr 18, 2009
The appointment of the team came the same day as Commerce and Industry minister Welshman Ncube, who is the current chairperson of Jomic, said government would soon come up with a land tenure regime to restore stability in the farming sector. In a telephone interview with the Zimbabwe Independent, Ncube said there was urgent need for security of tenure in agriculture to boost confidence and create an environment where farmers could borrow from financial institutions to increase production. (allAfrica.com)
Judge: 'Tribal courts getting the job done' Apr 18, 2009
Other panelists included Frank Pommersheim, law professor at USD and chief justice at the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Court of Appeals and Rosebud Sioux Supreme Court; Cheryl Three Stars Valandra, associate justice for the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Supreme Court, and supervising attorney for the Indian Land Tenure Foundation Project at Dakota Plains Legal Services at Mission; and Joe Lux, attorney with Costello, Porter, Hill Heisterkamp, Bushnell & Carpenter. The Mount Rushmore Institute and USD... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Zimbabwe: War Against Land Reform Unwinnable Apr 18, 2009
The issue was not whose property rights were to be protected but whose heritage had been stolen in the name of property rights and anti-people land tenure laws. If Zimbabwe was a vast country with colonial beneficiaries occupying the same land space as was the case prior to 2000, but with indigenous people equally settled on productive land then there was never going to be a need for land reforms. (allAfrica.com)
Ghana's Chronic Energy Crisis Apr 10, 2009
While biofuels hold some promise, serious land tenure problems (we have first-hand evidence of the collapse of at least two major projects because of this issue), water husbandry constraints, and general agronomic pressures undermine the full prospects. Which is not to say that renewables should not play a role in our energy security but rather that we should not hype their contribution. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Malawi: Investing in Africa's Agriculture to Achieve Global Food Security [interview] Apr 8, 2009
Land tenure / ownership are the single most difficult problem related to investment in agriculture. Whilst our main investment is in large farms we extend our production capacity through 'Outgrower / Small-holder Schemes. (allAfrica.com)
How Property-Owning Democracy Was Bastardised Apr 3, 2009
The partys policy, in the thinking of J B Danquah, "is to liberate the energies of the people for the growth of a property owning democracy in this land, with right to life, freedom and justice, as the principles to which the Government and laws of the land should be dedicated in order specifically to enrich life, property and liberty of each and every citizen. President Mills and his Vice say, with tongue in cheek, that Ghanaians have changed to move forward in the right... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Uganda: Urban Authorities Fight Over Land Allocation Apr 2, 2009
MP Mike Mabiike blames poor urban planning on the land tenure system which, he says, grants land owners the authority to use their land as they wish. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Statement from Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa, UH Center for Hawaiian Studies Apr 1, 2009
Such recognition shall be conducted with due respect to the customs, traditions and land tenure systems of the Indigenous Peoples concerned ... States shall establish and implement, in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples concerned, a fair, independent, impartial, open and transparent process, giving due recognition to Indigenous Peoples' laws, traditions, customs and land tenure systems, to recognize and adjudicate the rights of Indigenous Peoples pertaining to their lands, territories and... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Ga and Dangme Land Rights and Other Rights Apr 1, 2009
Secure land tenure, especially for poor people and for women, whose land rights are very often ignored, is a key recondition for this, as is the ability to exchange land rights at low-cost. . (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Uganda: Mortgage Bill is a Progressive Law [editorial] Mar 30, 2009
In spite of this, the passing of this Bill is a step forward because it opens up opportunity for the individuals owning land under the customary land tenure system to accessing credit. Nevertheless, it is important that political and civil leaders educate the local people not to recklessly mortgage their land. (allAfrica.com)
Workshop on Small and Medium Forest Enterprises opens Mar 27, 2009
He said people engaged in these enterprises were faced with problems such as unfavourable policies and legislations, excessive bureaucracy, insecure land tenure systems, poor market information, inaccessibility to credit, poor infrastructure, inadequate technology, weak bargaining power and insufficient business know-how. Mr Nketiah said to be able to shape the business environment and policies in their favour, and adopt new market opportunities, SMFEs needed to be connected to each other and to... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Uganda: Poverty, Democracy Challenges for the Country Mar 24, 2009
"Diminishing size of land held by the poor and controlled by a few, displaced minority groups; tenants facing eviction due to absence of land tenure security, limited land rights for women, lack of information in the land registry and controversy over the Land Amendment Bill suggest urgency of land reform," it said. It highlighted the need to resolve the northern conflict where 1. (allAfrica.com)
Trees of life Mar 20, 2009
" But he says one of the biggest challenges is the issue of land tenure. "For farmers, it is like a declaration of ownership. Planting trees says 'this is my land and it is going to be mine for a long time. (BBC News -- Science)
Nigeria: Amending the Land Use Act [editorial] Mar 17, 2009
com: Nigeria: Amending the Land Use Act (Page 1 of 1). Nigeria: Amending the Land Use Act. (allAfrica.com)
Dnest plans to provide more on-the-job training for students Mar 7, 2009
Because of that, Dnest has found it tough to get financing facilities as it has no borrowings record and also partly due to its three-year land tenure with Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB). Hopefully, MAHB will lease us another piece of land for further expansion and consider giving a longer tenure, he says. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Aborigines told to swap land rights for new homes Mar 6, 2009
It represents an about-face for Ms Macklin, who argued against the Howard government policy in 2007, saying land tenure reform should not be a condition of funding for basic services. It is seen as a death knell for indigenous housing providers, which inherited former missions and reserves in NSW in the 1980s. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Peyto Energy Trust announces ten successful years with fiscal 2008 year end results Mar 5, 2009
These variables include, but are not limited to, available bank lines, oil and natural gas production from existing wells, results from new wells drilled, commodity prices, cost overruns on capital projects and changes to government regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production and availability of markets. As these variables change, liquidity risks may necessitate the need for the Trust to conduct equity issues or obtain project debt financing. (PR Newswire)
Papua New Guinea declares first national conservation area Mar 3, 2009
PNG has a land tenure system whereby nearly all the rural land is owned by clans and local landowners. Under Dabek's leadership, TKCP has gained the acceptance and respect of landowners, who have set aside portions of their land as a pledge to conservation. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Ghana: Challenge of Agriculture - What is to Be Done? (1) Mar 3, 2009
Reform of land tenure systems under customary tenure is a sensitive issue and poses a severe long term challenge. There is much change occurring in land tenure systems currently, under the impetus of new interests and market pressures, and the Government has initiated a new Land Policy and a Land Administration project that seeks to address land issues comprehensively (Kasanga and Kotey). (allAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Mugabe Predicts New Elections Feb 27, 2009
" He said the inclusive Government must be united on the principles of national sovereignty and independence, reiterating that land tenure and agrarian reforms were irreversible. Anyone who rejected such principles, the President said, would in turn be rejected by the Government, adding that undue foreign meddling in the country's affairs would not be tolerated. He urged members of the inclusive Government to engage each other constructively and follow due procedures when making criticisms of... (allAfrica.com)
Macquarie Power & Infrastructure Income Fund Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 Results Feb 20, 2009
A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks associated with: the operational performance of the Fund's assets; power purchase agreements; fuel costs, supply and transportation; default under credit agreements; regulatory regime and permits; land tenure and related rights; government regulation and funding; the ability to complete future acquisitions; Leisureworld's ability... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Indigenous job losses up as employers wind back Feb 18, 2009
Professor Langton said the financial crisis had made it more important than ever for governments to achieve land tenure reform, support indigenous businesses, teach corporate governance and business skills, and amend trust laws to benefit indigenous enterprises. A spokeswoman for the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin, said the stimulus package was targeted at all Australians. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
