Securing community land rights through Certificates of Customary Right of Occupancy

Session: Edward will discuss the UCRT experience in advocacy for communities to secure their land rights. He will share an analysis and insights into the legal frame work, discuss the opportunities, gaps and challenges on pastoral communities in Northern Tanzania, based upon UCRT's 12 years of experience in mobilizing village natural resource plans.

Biographical Information: Edward Lekaita is currently working as Legal Advisor and Head of Advocacy with Ujamaa Community Resource Team- UCRT an NGOs based in Arusha- Tanzania. He is a Lawyer and practicing Advocate of High Court of Tanzania with Bachelor Degree in Law from University of Tumaini- Iringa, Post Graduate Diploma (PGD)) in Legal Practice Law School of Tanzania- University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and Masters Degree (LL.M) in International Trade - University of Stellenbosch- South Africa. For 6 years he has working experience on land use, has been involved in training on natural resources laws, and lobbying & advocacy with UCRT. For 10 years he has served as a lawyer and general practitioner and for 4 years as practicing Lawyer/Advocate.