Despite greater attention given by governments in Africa to land issues, implementation of reforms has been highly problematic. Impacts on the poor and their livelihoods have been muted and mixed and, to date, remain a challenge.
44 members and partners of the International Land Coalition met in Nairobi, Kenya from 30 October to 2 November 2007 to identify priorities, actions and ways of working together to implement the vision and mission of the ILC in Africa. Participants committed themselves to collaborative in addressing common issues as members and partners of ILC in Africa.
The workshop aimed at achieving the following objectives:
- Definition of ILC activities and analysis according to specific land contexts of the region;
- Closer and more regular follow-up to national/regional processes and contact with decision-making institutions at national/regional levels;
- A more appropriate face to the ILC as an institution with regional relevance, rather than representation primarily by a 'remote' Secretariat;
- Improved ability to respond quickly to requests and opportunities in the region;
- Stronger links to inter-governmental institutions at the country/regional levels;
- Better information and improved information flow, at the ILC's different operational levels.
"This report appreciates that ILC has become an important eye-witness and participant in the African Land Reform Agenda [.] Clearly the Africa Regional Workshop in Nairobi as evidenced by this report served as a pro-active moment in taking decisions for Africa to move into its future. To the readers of this report let it serve as a reminder that the Nairobi decisions did not bring to finalization all actions needed for transforming ILC into a member-led coalition, but that more work still needs to be undertaken under this foundation and direction."
(Foreword to the workshop report by Odenda Lumumba Interim Chairperson, Africa Region Steering Committee Group 2008)