All for one and one for all? Exploring the nexus of land administration, land management and land governance

• Published in: Land use policy 2024-09, Vol.144, p.107248, Article 107248
• Main Author: Hull, Simon Antony
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bibliometric analysis; Curriculum development; Definitions; Domain identity; Land administration; Land governance; Land management
• ISSN: 0264-8377
• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107248

Land administration, land management, and land governance are frequently occurring terms in land-related literature, yet the (mis)use of these terms can obscure their meaning. They are closely inter-linked and sometimes used inter-changeably depending on personal or institutional preferences. Definitions of these terms have evolved over the past decades, adding to the confusion for scholars and researchers. Researchers and institutions involved in land administration, management or governance activities exist under a common domain, but the domain itself is undefined. Through a bibliometric analysis of publications from the past decade, combined with expert opinions, this paper examines the similarities and differences between these three concepts. It explores the nexus of the three concepts to find whether there is a common link. The results show that each concept is distinct from the others, but there are also overlaps. This paper explores domain identity, which is useful in the design and naming of associated curricula and courses, and will be useful for scholars and researchers engaged in this domain and/or interested in bibliometric analysis. •Land administration, management and governance are distinct yet interrelated terms.•The domain is ill-defined; it includes land policy and sustainable land management.•The need for an ethos of stewardship is highlighted.•Structured education is required for awareness of the similarities and differences.•A methodology for bibliometric analysis is presented.