Principles
The Land Governance Assessment Framework (LGAF) is based on the key principle of a participatory process organized around a steering committee composed of local experts. The process is facilitated by a country coordinator who is a locally recognized and independent land expert with a broad network within and outside government.
The implementation of the LGAF starts with a country coordinator adapting the framework to the country context. The country coordinator then selects a team of technical experts for each of the framework’s nine topic areas (see Framework section below). The coordinator also agrees with the ministry responsible for land matters on access to data and participation of government staff in panel meetings. The objective of the LGAF is to be constructive, rather than evaluative, and to be based on the evidence that already exists rather than on extensive new studies.
Technical experts prepare background reports that bring together available data and information and suggest ratings for each of a comprehensive set of 116 land governance dimensions. This report is then discussed thoroughly in daylong technical panels with knowledgeable stakeholders from the government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The resulting policy recommendations are technical, rather than political, and are objective, replicable, and actionable.
The reports, panel documents, and agreed minutes are then synthesized in a country report that is publicly validated with results and recommendations presented to policy makers. The World Bank frequently organizes a high-level policy dialogue with the government to discuss key conclusions and policy recommendations.
Framework
The task of assigning a rating to each of the 116 dimensions is distributed among nine technical panels. Typically these panels are comprised of between three and eight members who are subject matter specialists on different aspects of the relevant issues. The nine panels are organized around the following topics:
- Land Tenure Recognition
- Rights to Forest and Common Lands & Rural Land Use Regulations
- Urban Land Use, Planning, and Development
- Public Land Management
- Transparent Process and Economic Benefit
- Public Provision of Land Information: Registry and Cadastre
- Land Valuation and Taxation
- Dispute Resolution
- Review of Institutional Arrangements and Policies
For a detailed explanation of the LGAF framework, see the Complete Annotated Framework.
Structure and Scoring
Each of the 116 dimensions are rated on a 4-point scale (A to D, with A as good practice and D as weak practice). Expert panels rate these dimensions by selecting an appropriate answer among a list of pre-coded statements that draw on global experience. Depending on the country context, a few dimensions may not be eligible for scoring, or sub-dimensions can be added.
The LGAF scoring structure was developed on the basis of extensive interaction with land professionals and refined through pilot country case studies. The LGAF is not intended as a tool to rank countries; rather, the scoring is developed to guide discussion in-country and arrive at a consensus using objective criteria. Scores can be used to identify good practice in other countries.
For further details, see the LGAF Scorecard Template (English) (French). A compilation of scorecards for all LGAFs completed since 2013 is also available (XLSX).*
Process
The broad steps of the LGAF are:
- Collection of qualitative and quantitative background information
- Stakeholder panels to rate dimensions; invitation based on area of expertise
- LGAF report with identification of priority policy areas for follow up
- Validation of rankings and discussion of actionable policy priorities
- Follow up with work plan
For an in-depth discussion of all aspects of the LGAF process and implementation, see the Resources tab.
__________
* The LGAF methodology underwent a revision in 2013 that expanded the number of dimensions from 80 to 116. A compilation of scorecards for LGAFs completed prior to 2013 is also available (XLSX).