Managing public urban lands for sustainable urban development in Bujumbura, Burundi: The role of land administration system

Public Urban Lands (PULs) are among the pieces of land that will contribute to achieving sustainable urban development. There is a need to have an effective Land Administration System (LAS) to manage PULs. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of existing LAS in managing PULs in achieving sustainable urban development in Bujumbura City. The study used a mixed research approach for data collection and analysis. Qualitative data were collected from secondary literature and key informant interviews while quantitative data were collected using questionnaires. The participants were selected by applying the probability sampling approach with simple random sampling. The equation developed by Cochran was applied. Qualitative data were analysed using a content analysis approach, whereas a descriptive approach was used for quantitative data. The findings show that Burundi's LAS is ineffective in managing PULs and negatively affects urban sustainability. The management aspect lacks strategies, planning, and action plans focused on managing PULs. The encroachment observed in PULs by informal settlements and other illegal changes in the use of PULs has affected the urban ecology. Finally, it is recommended that Burundi's government establish a LAS that can contribute to sustainable urban development.