Rural Land Certification and Changes in Tree Planting Practices

A survey was conducted to identify the early impacts of land certification on tree planting. The data were collected through interview schedule, focus group discussion, and key informant interview. A paired-sample t-test was conducted to evaluate the contribution of land certification on tree planting. The results of the study showed that there was a change in number of tree seedlings planted. However, there was no statistically significant increase in number of trees planted after the land certification programme is operational. Both eucalyptus and indigenous tree planting did not show significant differences after issuance of primary of land holding certificate. Though issuance of land certificate has improved sense of ownership of land, including those of women, it failed to facilitate land related investments in the study areas. Therefore, further actions to strengthen investments on private lands through issuance of secondary book holding, and extension intervention should get due attention.