Source: Addis Tribune (Addis Ababa)

http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200207190602.html

It has been said time and again that ownership of land is an indispensable component to the development of Ethiopia's poor performing economy. Critiques, economists, diplomats, the press and all those who care about this country have been voicing their concern over the handling of the land issue by the government. The government, however, still maintains that land should belong to no one but the government; and there is no sign that it will change this strongly held position.

The Annual Economic Report, launched this week by the UN Economic Commission for Africa has given this issue the weight it deserves. "Land tenure and governance are among the most pressing areas requiring institutional reforms in Ethiopia the success of the government's main development strategy - agriculture-led industrialization - may largely depend on addressing rural land tenure insecurity."

Insecurity over title to land has crippled the development of the private sector in this country. It is very precarious for the private investors to put a lot of money on any development project that rests on a land, which the investors do not own.

Citizens cannot use land as collateral for loans as they don't own the land. This seriously hampers the development of private businesses as access to finance has been denied.

We would like to reiterate the demands made to the government from all corners and sectors for the reform in its land policy to bring this country out of poverty.