CONCEPT NOTE

3RD REGIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON 12TH – 13TH JUNE 2024

PROPOSED THEME: DATA, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR
LAND GOVERNANCE
Introduction

The successful realization of both Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable

Development Goals necessitates addressing the persistent land issues in the
region. Accurate data on land, encompassing various land uses such as
agriculture, forestry, mining, wildlife, water, housing, and infrastructure, is
imperative for effective land governance. This information plays a crucial role in
planning and managing the utilization of land and its resources.

Public institutions and the government rely on precise land data and
information for making appropriate and timely decisions. Simultaneously, land
users, the general public, and other stakeholders require this data to effectively
monitor and influence decisions. Moreover, accurate land information is
essential for tracking the implementation of land policies, enabling informed
lesson learned, and generating best practices. It also ensures that land
investments are sustainable and equitable in the long run. The incorporation of
innovation and technology into land governance is considered a transformative
factor in addressing the challenges of insecure land rights for all citizens.

The absence of actionable data on land poses a significant obstacle to effective

land governance in the region. Globally, weak land governance is acknowledged
as a hindrance to development and stability. Recognizing secure land tenure as
a catalyst for poverty reduction, food security, and gender equality underscores
its pivotal role.

While there have been heightened endeavors by donors, governments, and civil
society to enhance land governance, including the inclusion of land tenure
indicator in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these efforts are not

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accompanied by sufficient evidence of their impact and are hindered by a lack
of supporting data. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance the generation,
utilization, and interoperability of data to advance land governance in the
region.

Broadening the scope of data, innovation, and technology to acknowledge and

safeguard land rights is fundamental to achieving the envisioned land
governance and sustainable development outlined in Agenda 2063. Notable
strides have been made in the region concerning data generation and the
integration of technology. Over the past decade, digitalization has emerged as a
significant trend in Africa, spurred by the adoption of the Smart Africa
Manifesto and its subsequent endorsement by all African Heads of State and
Government at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa in 2014. Within this
context, stakeholders in land management are actively engaged in ongoing
initiatives to explore innovative approaches for collecting tenure security and
property rights data. The emphasis is on solutions that are cost-effective,
technologically adaptable, and offer greater reliability and comprehensiveness.

Several notable digitalization programs have gained traction in Africa. In

Kenya, for instance, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) has supported the National Land Commission in publishing a
Natural Resources Atlas accessible through a web portal. Additionally, the
Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, in
collaboration with the National Land Commission, has spearheaded the
establishment of the National Land Information Management Systems (NLIMS),
commonly known as ArdhiSasa. These initiatives are directed towards
enhancing the accessibility of land and natural resources data and
information, fortifying the security of land records, reducing the costs
associated with land transactions, and promoting the protection and
sustainable use of natural resources.

The objective of the 3rd Regional Research Conference is to assemble

governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, innovators, and

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development partners to deliberate on strategies for intensifying the generation

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and utilization of land data. Emphasis will be placed on harmonizing data
sources and deploying accurate and reliable data through innovation and
technology to recognize rights, support policy decisions, and realize sustainable
development. The centrality of accurate, reliable, and comprehensive data
cannot be overstated, as it forms the bedrock of well-informed policies.

About the Conference

The Conference is a collaborative effort organized jointly by the National Land
Commission, the National Research Fund (NRF), Ministry of Lands, Public
Works and Urban Development, Technical University of Kenya and Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO). While spearheading the initiative, the National
Land Commission is actively engaging with potential partners to broaden the
organizational framework of the Conference.

About the Research Conference

The 3rd Regional Research Conference is poised to showcase prominent
researchers in the realms of land governance, data, and innovation. These
experts will present their findings from completed research projects and share
their expert knowledge with a broad audience, including stakeholders from the
sector, policymakers, and academia. The conference is scheduled to take place
over a span of two days, from 12th -13th June, 2024 in Nairobi. This platform
aims to facilitate extensive discussions and the exchange of insights among
participants, fostering a collaborative environment for advancing knowledge
and initiatives in the specified fields.

Conference Objectives
1. To collate, synthesize, and share knowledge related to Data, Innovation, and
Technology for Land Governance with relevant stakeholders.
2. Facilitate interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations among
researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to
address challenges and explore

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 opportunities in the field of land governance, data, innovation, and
technology.
3. Promote the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative
approaches in land governance to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and
transparency in the management of land resources.
4. Provide a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, fostering
partnerships among governmental agencies, academia, private sector
entities, and civil society organizations involved in land-related initiatives.
5. Identify and discuss policy recommendations and best practices that can
contribute to the improvement of land governance, sustainable land use,
and the recognition of land rights.

Proposed thematic areas

1. Land Information Management Systems and Innovative Technologies for
Effective Land Governance in the Region e.g. Surveying, Mapping, Land Use
Planning, Ardhisasa,
2. Land Data Policy, Regulatory, and Institutional Frameworks.
3. Strengthening Governance of Land and Natural Resources through
Research and Digital Innovations.
4. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Land and Natural Resources
Governance.

Conference Organization
The conference will adopt a hybrid format, with some delegates attending in
person and others participating through virtual platforms. Presenters and
conference organizers will gather at a physical location in Nairobi, while the
audience will engage with the proceedings online. The presentations will be
conducted through both plenary and breakout sessions.

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Partners
Stakeholder category Name
Government Ministry of Lands, Public Works and Urban
Ministry/Commissions Development
Ministry of Water
Ministry of Information, Communications and The
Digital Economy (MICDE)
Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Ministry of Agriculture
Council of Governors
State Department of Gender and Affirmative action
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
National Assembly
State Agencies Kenya Forestry Research Institute
National Environment Management Authority
Kenya Water Tower Agency
National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND)
Kenya Forest Service
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)
DSRS
ICT Authority
KIPPRA
KISM
KNBS
Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA)
National Commission for Science, Technology and
Innovation
Development FAO
Partners/Academia/Research UNDP
UN Habitat

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Institute/NGO/ Professional World Bank
Bodies USAID
UKAID
IGAD
Institute of Climate Change Adaptation – ICCA - UoN
Kenya Land Alliance
Kenya Forest Working Group
Stockholm Environment Institute
International Land Coalition (ILC)
University of Nairobi
University of Eldoret
JKUAT
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
Kenyatta University
Tegemeo Institute
Transparency International
Kenya National Innovation Agency
Safaricom
RCMRD
KIP
ICEA
Land Portal
Landesa
Pamoja Trust
ISK

Outcome of the conference

Conference Research report comprising:

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a) General organization of the conference
b) Knowledge Sharing and Research Agenda
c) Collaborative initiatives
d) Policy Recommendations
e) Book of Abstract and Conference Papers

Tentative Schedule of Activities

Activities Date
Confirmation of the themes and sub-themes 9th April, 2024
Constitution of peer review panel
Identification of the potential partners
Call for abstracts 12th April, 2024
Submission deadline 6th May, 2024
Peer Review of the abstracts 8th-10th May 2024
Invitation of participants and the guests 23rd May, 2024
Confirmation of the venue
Submission of full papers deadline 24th May, 2024
Confirmation of panelists, speakers, session 27th May, 2024
chairs and rapporteurs
Conference dates 12th – 13th June, 2024

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Tentative Budget

S/N Item Total Amount (kshs)

1 Venue 2,000,000
2 Video Conference facilities and Documentary 500,000
3 Publicity Materials 1,250,000
4 Virtual Platform 200,000
5 Speakers’ reimbursements 750,000
6 Certificates of participation 220,000
7 Contingencies 600,000
8 Planning Committee 3,000,000
9 Printing of conference report & proceedings 500,000
Total 9,020,000