Learning about Land Policies: Building a Structured Knowledge Base on Land Policies and regulatory Frameworks in Support of Responsible Land Administration

A national land policy is the set of aims and objectives set by governments for dealing with land issues. Land policy is part of the national policy on promoting objectives such as economic development, social justice and equity, and political stability. Land policies vary, but in most countries, they include poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture, sustainable settlement, economic development, and equity among various groups within the society.
Policy implementation depends on how access to land and land related opportunities is allocated. Governments therefore regulate land related activities, including holding rights to land, supporting the economic aspects of land, and controlling the use of land and its development. Administration systems surrounding these regulatory patterns facilitate the implementation of land policy in the broadest sense, and in well-organized systems, they deliver sensible land management and good governance. Responsible approaches and initiatives, that
are socially acceptable, are needed to shape policy design and implementation, and their impact upon society should be assessed.
The paper draws from a GLTN project on building a structured knowledge base in support of responsible land administration. The project included six modules addressing various aspects responsible land administration. Module 6 on Land Policies and Regulatory Frameworks is presented in some details to explain about the issues addressed and the approach of facilitating the learning process. The module includes 5 lessons and provides essential and accessible knowledge about the following issues: (1) The nature of various land policies; (2) The global,
regional and national drivers for developing such policies; (3) The components to be included in land policy formulation and land related regulations; (4) Examples of country specific land policies and regulatory frameworks; and (5) Enforcement of land policies through sustainable land administration systems and their regulatory and institutional frameworks.
The paper explains about the role and design of such a structured knowledge base and how it can be used for various kind of teaching and learning such as university curriculum, blended learning, in-service training, CPD activities and self-studies.