An official inspecting and managing the land with his tablet. Photo credit - iStock

LAND MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE IN N’DJAMENA, TCHAD

Introduction

In Chad, ICTs have evolved since the 2000s with the improvement of access to electricity in urban areas. Information technology has become essential in the lives of Chadians and the Chadian administration. 80% of cases pending before the courts concern land issues, making land management a major issue in Chad. The population explosion and rapid urbanization are creating significant pressure on land resources. In the digital age, land management is improving, and ICTs ensure greater transparency. 

 

The Role of Digital Technology in Modernizing Land Management

ICTs have helped overcome many challenges related to land management by providing effective tools to improve the collection, storage, management, and access to land information.

 

Stakeholders in Digital Land Management

Several stakeholders are involved in land management, grouped into three groups with different interests, hence the amplification of land conflicts. The three different groups are: public institutions (Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing, Cadastre and Land Affairs Department, N’djamena Local Authority), private stakeholders (technology and geomatics companies, Banks and financial institutions, Consulting firms and specialized consultants, and civil society (organisations) and citizens.

 

Digital Land Management Strategies in N’Djamena

Several strategies will enable effective land management in the city of N’djamena. These strategies include: the digitization of the Cadastre and Land Registers, improving the efficiency of land transactions, the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize the management of high-risk areas, cooperation with mobile phone companies to access electronic payment services for paying property taxes and other fees related to property management, and for tracking the status of their applications (an online tracking system would allow users to track the status of a land title or transfer application, thus reducing physical travel), and the training and raising awareness among local stakeholders on the use of new digital tools to ensure effective digitization.

 

Challenges of Digitized Land Management in N’Djamena

Digitized land management in N’Djamena faces several challenges such as limited infrastructure and connectivity, lack of digital literacy, and data security.

 

Conclusion

Digitized land management in N’Djamena improves the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of land services. By implementing appropriate strategies and involving various stakeholders (public, private, and civil society), it is possible to build a more modern and equitable land management system that addresses the challenges of urbanization and supports sustainable development. However, this requires overcoming challenges related to infrastructure, training, and data security.

Ouang-Yang Laouna

VIEW ALL POSTS

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *