Critical analysis of the Impact of rural land right alienation laws on environmental conservation in Ethiopia : existing obstacles and prospects

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of rural land rights alienation laws on environmental conservation in Ethiopia, with particular emphasis on the relationship between land rights and environmental sustainability. It critically examines both historical and contemporary legal frameworks governing rural land rights and evaluates how these frameworks influence environmental outcomes. The study adopts a qualitative doctrinal legal research methodology, primarily based on an extensive literature review and comparative legal analysis. It analyzes Ethiopia’s Constitution, land policies, land laws, and relevant judicial decisions, alongside scholarly works and international legal instruments. In addition, a comparative assessment is conducted using the legal frameworks of Sweden and New Zealand to draw lessons from jurisdictions that have effectively integrated land rights with environmental conservation. The findings reveal that although Ethiopia’s rural land rights alienation laws aim to balance development and environmental protection, significant challenges persist. While community-based land management practices show some positive environmental outcomes, problems such as land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss remain prevalent. These challenges are largely attributed to gaps in legal frameworks, weak institutional enforcement, tenure insecurity, and socio-economic pressures. The research highlights the need for comprehensive legal reforms to harmonize land and environmental laws, strengthen tenure security, and enhance institutional capacity. It further highlights the importance of integrating participatory land management approaches and indigenous knowledge systems into formal legal frameworks. The study concludes by recommending alignment of Ethiopia’s land governance system with international best practices and emphasizes the importance of sustainable land management for achieving long-term environmental conservation and rural development. These reforms are essential to safeguarding natural resources and improving the livelihoods of rural communities