81283693-PILUP II-Development and implementation of Integrated Land Use Plans in Ethiopia

Strong population growth is increasing the pressure on Ethiopia's land resources. In most parts of the country, there is an unregulated expansion of settlement areas. This leads to conflicts, especially in peri-urban areas and certain rural agglomerations, where agricultural and urban interests compete and other relevant interests (e.g. of the civil society, private sector, etc.) often remain marginal. The continuous growth of settlements results in the loss of valuable agricultural land and important ecosystems. At the local level, many districts (woredas) have sectoral land use plans, but these do not integrate non-agricultural aspects. National strategic interests and environmental concerns are not given enough consideration. On the other hand, urban planning takes little account of the interests of agricultural land users and conducts planning without any consultation. National and regional levels have not yet defined rules and procedures for a systematic and transparent integrated land use planning that is in line with international human rights standards. The technical equipment of the respective national and regional authorities is inadequate. There is currently no institution charged and/or able to enforce existing land use plans. Training capacities for academic education as well as vocational training to fill future positions in integrated land use planning are insufficient and curricula and training modules need to be brought up to international standards. Effective participation mechanisms for the private sector and civil society are not available and very little experience exists within the administration with participatory approaches. In summary, the institutional and regulatory framework for integrated land use planning at the national level and in selected regions is inadequate (core problem). The module objective of the project is to improve the institutional and regulatory framework for integrated land use planning at national level and in selected regions according to international human rights standards. In order to achieve this objective, the TC measure aims at strengthening the regulatory and institutional capacities of national and regional authorities in line with international human rights standards. Furthermore, the project aims at strengthening the capacities of authorities and other stakeholders to implement participatory planning procedures - also in line with international human rights standards. In this regard, the project focuses on areas with high competition for land (i.e. hotspots). In addition, education and training opportunities for integrated land use planning professionals at various professional levels will be improved by developing a respective university curriculum as well as training modules for regional TVET colleges. The project complies with the agreements reached under the Compact with Africa initiative and is part of the reform partnership between Germany and Ethiopia. As an accompanying measure, cooperation to promote sustainable land policy has been agreed. The term of the project is 3 years from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2024 and the German TC contribution will cost up to EUR 5,000,000.