Locating Forum Shopping in Land Dispute Settlement among Farmers in the City Outskirts of Addis Ababa: Utilizing Customary Mediation Model and Game Theory

Abstract

      Land disputes settlement involve “forum shopping”, where individuals strategically choose between customary and formal justice system they believe will favor them. This study aims to investigate, land disputants choice of justice institutions and the motivations behind. Employing ethnography and court case review as research design. Data collected from 92 informants and 156 court cases. Findings reveal preference for customary mediation model, particularly among those sharing common cultural values. Game theory provides a framework for analyzing the strategic interactions among land disputants and help to identify players, strategies, and payoffs during settlement and an insight drawn for improving the justice system.