Assessing the efficiency of land sharing as an option to resolve land lord-tenant impasse on Mailo Land in Uganda

Abstract

Uganda's land tenure system has long been plagued by disputes between landlords and tenants, hindering agricultural productivity rural and urban development. Land sharing, an innovative option provided by the National Land Policy 2013 where landlords and tenants jointly own and manage land, has been proposed as a potential solution. This study evaluates the efficiency of land sharing in resolving the landlord-tenant impasse in Uganda, a case study of Wakiso District. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, we assess the impact of land sharing on tenure security and conflict resolution. Our findings suggest that land sharing significantly reduces tenure insecurity, and resolves conflicts between landlords and tenants. However, challenges persist, including difficulty in finding willing landlords and tenants, the unclear legal framework on land sharing percentages, best practices of a successful land sharing arrangements and limited awareness of land sharing benefits. Policy recommendations include increasing awareness and education and strengthening legal frameworks to support this option. By addressing these challenges, land sharing can become a viable option for resolving the landlord-tenant impasse, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and enhancing rural and urban livelihoods in Uganda.