6.1 Pilot projects and other initiatives will provide valuable information as to what should be incorporated in a long-term programme of land consolidation. Continuous monitoring during pilot projects and good reporting on lessons learned is essential for the preparation of long-term programmes. The experiences and results of the various activities should be reviewed and evaluated in order to provide insights in the following areas.
6.2 Administration of the consolidation programme. The appropriate structure for administering the programme will have to be designed or redesigned. A clear assignment of roles and responsibilities is essential, including identification of roles of those responsible for policy and for execution, and the sharing of responsibilities between the private and public sectors. The provision of “one-stop-shop” facilities can simplify matters for citizens. The danger of encouraging corruption by concentrating too much power in one organization must be dealt with. The relationship between the agency designated as the land consolidation agency and other central government agencies and local governments must be defined.
6.3 Financial management. For the smooth financing of consolidation projects, medium and long-term working and financial plans will have to be developed within national budgets and administration. Cost restrictions for individual projects have to be specified.
6.4 Initiation, design and implementation of land consolidation projects. Procedures developed for the pilot projects will have to be adapted to address the conditions of projects carried out under a long-term programme. Consideration should be given to specifying or designing the following:
The process for initiating projects. More parties may have the right to initate the process and they will have to be identified, e.g. the land consolidation agency, a group of farmers, professional associations, local governments, line ministries, etc. The extent to which the process is voluntary or compulsory will have to be determined.
Essential components of the scope of project activities in order to be considered eligible under the programme.
Procedures for acquiring state land reserves for the project.
Mechanisms for including participation of local stakeholders through some form of local management committee (e.g. number of members, composition and responsibilities) and through direct involvement (e.g. public assemblies, public notice, etc.)
Mechanisms for bringing relevant technical expertise into the project design and implementation.
Procedures for identifying rights within the project site, for valuation of parcels, and for re-allocation.
Procedures for making rights to newly created parcels legally effective and for terminating various types of rights because of changes introduced by consolidation.
Systems for appeal and treatment of disputes.
Procedures for compensation and cost-sharing.
6.5 Land consolidation legislation. Elements such as those described above will have to be addressed in special legislation in order to provide a legal basis for the long-term programme.
