Commonlands
Description
Commonlands strengthens community-based land governance by transforming social trust into verifiable digital records. Using a simple smartphone platform, communities can map their plots, verify neighbors’ claims, and generate secure land certificates without costly surveyors or officials. Each verified claim forms part of a blockchain-based Claimchain, creating a transparent, tamper-proof record of ownership and transactions. Once 150 claims are verified, the Claimchain is established—providing communities with trusted, low-cost land documentation that can also serve as collateral for financial services.
Impact
Commonlands enhances land security and financial inclusion by digitizing community land records and linking them to credit access. Over 2,500 plots were documented and 750 certificates issued, with 44% of beneficiaries being women. Through partnerships with VSLAs and Nile Microfinance, over 160 affordable loans were issued with a 99.4% repayment rate. The innovation strengthens trust, builds digital literacy, and unlocks economic opportunities for rural households, making it a scalable model for inclusive growth in Africa.
Target Audience
The main beneficiaries of Commonlands are: Rural smallholder farmers — who gain secure digital land documentation and access to affordable credit. Women — who make up 44% of beneficiaries, gaining recognition of land rights and improved financial independence. Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) members — who use the platform to formalize land ownership, strengthen group trust, and leverage land certificates for collective loans. Local financial institutions — such as Nile Microfinance, which can safely extend credit using verified digital land certificates as collateral. Communities at large — who benefit from reduced land conflicts, stronger governance, and inclusive economic growth.
Industrial Value Chains
Partnerships
Institutional / Organizational (owned or managed by a university, company, NGO, or government agency)
Video
Innovation Details
March 21, 2024
Contact Information
Allan Ananura
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