Over the last two decades, 200 million people across the world have been lifted out of hunger. But as climate change brings more frequent and severe weather shocks such as droughts and floods, and makes rainfall patterns less predictable, these gains are under threat, especially among Africa’s smallholder farmers. Agriculture is Africa’s biggest employer. But mean temperatures are expected to rise faster in the continent than the global average, decreasing crop yields and deepening poverty.

A Kenyan air pilot involved in a project testing the use of drones for land mapping and registration in Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia. If successful, hopes it will be rolled out elsewhere on the continent. Still awaiting permission to fly the drones. Kenya has developed guidelines on drones. Hoped to increase the number of land parcels that are mapped and clarify figures for different types of land ownership – private, public or community.

Publication features the key provisions on land governance in recent relevant international frameworks. Presents where new issues or themes appeared, issues that have gained additional support and those that have received less attention. Also highlights the particularities, strengths and potential gaps of the individual frameworks, as well as their similarities, complementarities and differences. Emphasizes the critical role of land governance in the realization of human rights, enjoyment of secure land rights and in the overall achievement of sustainable development objectives.