A blockchain-based land titles registry in Namibia
Land administration systems in many countries are vulnerable and lack transparency, which leads to fraud, delays, and significant costs, especially in developing countries like Namibia. This study aims to address these issues by proposing a blockchain-based land titles registry to preserve land rights in Namibia, drawing inspiration from successful implementations of countries such as Sweden. The study employs a quantitative methodology, using synthetic data to simulate real-world land transactions and scenarios, resulting in a controlled experimental environment. The research findings reveal significant dissatisfaction among Namibians with the existing land administration system as a result of various challenges encountered during land registration. The study proposes a hybrid blockchain network as a promising solution, balancing flexibility, transparency, and privacy, with the potential to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve accessibility for all stakeholders. This network's cryptographic foundation ensures data integrity and increases transparency in land transactions, which may influence land rights protection and stimulate economic growth. Despite its potential, the literature review identifies several challenges, such as contract legality, co-ownership management, and legal framework alignment, that must be addressed before widespread blockchain implementation can occur. This study however lays the groundwork for future investigations into infrastructure scalability, legal framework integration, infrastructure challenges, user adoption strategies, and interoperability issues. These critical areas of research will help understand blockchain's transformative potential for revolutionizing land administration systems
Blockchain, Land registry, Land administration, Smart contracts, Transparency, University of Namibia, Namibia
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