Promoting land rights in Africa: how do NGOs make a difference?

This report investigates the effectiveness of NGOÆs strategies and methods to influence land policy reform. It is based on a study of seven NGOs promoting land reform and land rights in Mozambique and Kenya. A number of key questions were explored: do NGOs influence policy or are structural, institutional and political constraints too great? should NGOs maximise their own advocacy roles or focus on building the advocacy capacity of less powerful groups? can NGOs engage with government without compromising their independence? do donors facilitate or constrain the work of NGOs?| A framework was used for assessment based on four main areas of impact: strengthened civil society organisations, consultative government procedures and practice, pro-poor changes in policy, and direct benefits to and improvements in living conditions of poor groups. There are two main implications arising from the study. Firstly, building the capacity of community groups to take informed action is important in itself and for long-term and sustainable pro-poor policy influence. Secondly, many aspects of laws and policies are actually made during implementation; monitoring this process is therefore a key role for NGOs.