THE ROLE OF LAND NEGOTIATION IN THE SUSTAINABILITY OF TERRITORIAL PLANNING INSTRUMENTS: THE CASE OF THE BOANE DISTRICT

Abstract

Land negotiation is one of the central processes for the implementation and sustainability of territorial planning instruments, especially in contexts marked by land pressures and conflicts over land use. In Boane District, Maputo Province, the growing demand for urban and agricultural land has revealed challenges in balancing community, private, and state interests, which makes it relevant to understand the role of land negotiation in strengthening the effectiveness of territorial planning instruments. The aim of this study is to analyze how land negotiation mechanisms contribute to the sustainability of territorial planning instruments in Boane, identifying barriers and opportunities in the process. The adopted methodology is qualitative and descriptive in nature, based on document analysis, interviews with technicians from the District Service of Planning and Infrastructure (SDPI), community leaders, and institutional representatives, as well as direct observation in critical areas of land conflict. The results indicate that the absence of structured negotiation mechanisms creates fragility in the application of territorial plans, but also reveal that community dialogue can be a key factor in strengthening territorial sustainability. It is concluded that greater integration between public policies, local practices, and participatory governance is required.