| dc.description.abstract | Land disputes are complex matters that contribute significantly in terms of negative social and economic impacts within societies. The mechanisms of success for land dispute resolution still need further research because of people’s various mindsets. Focusing on land as the most valuable resource since it includes the face of the earth, what is beneath and above it, and all things fixed to it which including buildings and other advancements, and the natural resources located below or above the soil. Land has attributes such as fostering productive social, economic and cultural developments globally and therefore a foundation of our economy and society yet it is scarce. Land scarcity is due to its high productivity therefore commanding high demand by most individuals leading to land disputes among different parties in a bid to own a greater portion.
The study basically sought to; Identify the causes of land disputes, document the existing mechanisms for resolving land disputes and assess the challenges in solving land disputes in Kisabagwa parish. The data collection methods included direct observations, household survey and key informant interviews using observation guides, questionnaires and interview guides as tools respectively. In this report, the issues of the causes of land disputes which could lead to low economic development, hatred, displacement, property loss, death and misunderstandings are reviewed and the general causes of land disputes are outlined. Eviction of people from the Central Forest Reserve (CFR) (76%), unclear boundaries (73%), inheritance (63%) and increasing population (63%) are cited as being among the main offenders fueling land disputes in Kisabagwa parish. Others included poor land governance, inappropriate land use plans, increasing land value, inadequate documentation, cultural differences, differing ownership claims, high school dropouts. The challenges in resolving land disputes included corruption and political interference, differing ownership claims and gender imbalances, bureaucratic procedures, traditional beliefs and conservativeness. The existing dispute resolution mechanisms were arbitration, conciliation, mediation and case appraisal. Mediation with (62%) being the mostly dominant resolution mechanism. Conclusively, the study seeks to provide solutions to the causes of escalating land disputes in Kisabagwa parish by recommending; Mass sensitization of the local communities by concerned authorities to engage residents in land-related matters, fostering alternative land dispute resolution mechanisms that encompass various resolutions strategies which match the people’s standards, enhancing the fight against corruption with concerted efforts by all arms of government and empowerment of local administration to handle land disputes. | en_US |
