11 October 2012: In an effort to promote evidence-based land policies across Africa, the Land Policy Initiative (LPI) of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has launched studies on: mainstreaming land in African development programs; improving access to land and security of land rights for women; and large-scale, land-based investments in Africa.

The inception workshop on mainstreaming land in development programs took place on 7 October 2012, alongside a meeting of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and just ahead of a Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) meeting. In addition to launching the mainstreaming study, the inception workshop launched a study on Mainstreaming Land Policy and Governance in CAADP Investment Plans.

The LPI study on security of land rights for women is expected to help faciliate reforms to address key barriers to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as help achieve food security and sustainability goals.

The studies will be complemented by advocacy events, capacity development and technical assistance. The studies are supported by a grant from the EU, and are expected to be completed in draft form by December 2012. [UNECA Press Release]