Focus : Presco, mechanism for land dispute resolution

Land dispute are inevitable especially with population increase and demand for more resources vis-à-vis human needs. Addressing this could be sometimes complicated due to prevailing traditional, cultural practices and the number of parties/stakeholders involved.

However, as a corporate organization, Siat has developed strategies and a framework to ensure that land disputes are prevented. In a situation where this is unavoidable, the following mechanism is in place to address and resolve such disputes:

Stakeholders identifcation: this helps to identify and explore tools for analysis and for better understanding by interested parties, of their respective needs and concerns in relation to the land issue(s).
Respect for each other’s concerns and interests: using the FPIC process, mutual respect is safeguarded in order that each party’s concerns and interest on the land are respectfully
addressed.
Engagement and dialogue: through dialogue, relevant stakeholders deliberate on the identifed issue and develop innovative approach(es) to resolving the conﬂict and building a win-win position between the parties involved.
Mediation: in the event that both parties could not resolve the issues through dialogue and engagement, a third party may be sought as a mediator to assist and guide the parties towards resolution. The mediator does not decide the outcome but helps the parties understand and focus on the important issues needed to reach a mutualy benefcial resolution.

The beauty of this approach is that the outcome usually results in mutual respect, understanding, and goodwill.