From Paper Deeds to Cardano SSI VCs in East Africa, Secure Digital Land Ownership for East Africa, accelerating Cardano adoption

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

East Africa: Replace insecure paper titles. Cardano Title VCs with SSI bring secure, verifiable land ownership for citizens.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Open Source for Transparency, Secure Code for Sustainability:

We believe in fostering an open and collaborative environment. Our research findings, methodologies, and system schematics will be openly available for public scrutiny and adaptation. However, the code base will be released under a dual licensing model. This allows for non-commercial use and community contributions while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project through controlled commercial licensing options.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Project Proposal

1. Problem Statement

In East Africa, land ownership relies heavily on paper-based titles. This system is susceptible to fraud, loss, and disputes. This lack of a secure and verifiable land ownership system hinders economic development by:

• Discouraging investment: Investors are hesitant to invest in land with unclear ownership due to the risk of fraud.
• Limiting access to credit: Landowners cannot use their land as collateral for loans due to unreliable ownership records.
• Fueling land disputes: Lost or damaged paper titles create confusion and lead to lengthy legal battles.

2. Proposed Solution: Cardano Title VCs with SSI

This project proposes a secure and transparent land ownership system built on the Cardano blockchain and Atala PRISM Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) technology.

• Cardano Blockchain: Provides a tamper-proof and immutable ledger for recording land ownership data.
• Atala PRISM SSI: Enables secure issuance, storage, and verification of land ownership credentials (Verifiable Credentials - VCs) by citizens.

3. Our Approach

We propose a three-way trust triangle involving users (landowners), government (issuers), and verifiers:

• Users: Landowners will be issued digital land ownership VCs stored in secure SSI wallets. These wallets can be accessed using mobile phones or other devices.
• Government (Issuers): Government agencies will be authorized to issue land ownership VCs to verified landowners.
• Verifiers: Banks, investors, and other institutions can verify the authenticity and ownership of land using the VCs on the Cardano blockchain.

4. Technical Implementation Details

a) Cardano and Atala PRISM SSI Integration:

• Land Ownership VCs: Land ownership details (e.g., plot number, size, owner information) will be encoded into VCs.
• Issuing VCs: Government agencies will use Atala PRISM to issue VCs to landowners after verifying their identity and land ownership rights.
• Verifying VCs: Verifiers can access the Cardano blockchain to validate the authenticity and ownership information within the VCs.

b) Trust Triangle in Action:

1. Landowner: Applies for a land ownership VC from a government agency.
2. Government: Issues a land ownership VC to the landowner's SSI wallet on the Cardano blockchain.
3. Landowner: Grants permission to a verifier (e.g., bank) to access their land ownership VC.
4. Verifier: Uses the Cardano blockchain to verify the authenticity and ownership information within the VC.

Key Features:

• Immutability: Land ownership records are tamper-proof and cannot be altered once recorded on the blockchain.
• Transparency: All stakeholders can view land ownership information on the public Cardano blockchain (with privacy controls for sensitive data).
• Security: Land ownership VCs are cryptographically secured, protecting them from unauthorized access or modification.
• Accessibility: Landowners can access and manage their land ownership VCs using their mobile phones.

5. Benefits

• Secure and Verifiable Land Ownership: Landownership records are secure and verifiable, reducing fraud and disputes.
• Increased Investment: Secure land titles attract investors, boosting economic development.
• Improved Access to Credit: Landowners can use their land more faster as collateral for loans, facilitating financial inclusion than paper records.
• Streamlined Land Transactions: Land ownership transfers can be processed more efficiently using VCs.
• Reduced Administrative Costs: The government saves resources by eliminating paper-based record-keeping.

Conclusion

This Cardano-based land ownership system with SSI offers a secure, transparent, and efficient solution for East Africa. By replacing paper deeds with digital VCs, we can empower citizens, unlock economic opportunities, and promote sustainable development in the region.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

This project implementing Cardano VCs for land ownership in East Africa will have a positive impact on the wider Cardano community in several ways:

• Showcase of Cardano's Capabilities: A successful implementation demonstrates the real-world applicability of Cardano blockchain technology for secure land registry, promoting wider adoption within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Expansion of Use Cases: This project establishes a new use case for Cardano VCs, expanding the technology's potential for other applications like identity management and supply chain tracking.
• Attracting Investment: A thriving project tackling a critical issue like land ownership in Africa can attract further investment and development resources to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Community Growth: The project's success can inspire and attract new developers and entrepreneurs to build innovative solutions on Cardano, fostering a vibrant and growing community.
• Positive PR and Awareness: Positive media attention surrounding the project's impact in East Africa will raise awareness of Cardano's potential for global social good, enhancing the overall image of the community.

By contributing to a tangible solution with real-world benefits, this project strengthens the Cardano community's position as a leader in blockchain technology for positive social change.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Delivering Trust and Accountability: Building a Secure Land Titling Future

We understand the importance of trust and accountability when managing a project with significant impact. Here's how we plan to deliver on this commitment:

Team Expertise:

• Our team comprises experienced blockchain developers, land tenure specialists, and individuals with a proven track record in project management and community engagement. This blend of technical and social expertise ensures a well-rounded approach that addresses both the technological and social aspects of the project.
• We will establish a clear governance structure with defined roles and responsibilities for each team member. This promotes transparency and ensures everyone is accountable for their contributions.

Open-Source Development:

• By utilizing an open-source development model, the project codebase will be readily accessible for public scrutiny. This fosters trust by allowing the community to verify the code's functionality and security.
• We will actively encourage community participation through open communication channels and contribution opportunities. This fosters a collaborative environment where the community can hold us accountable and contribute to the project's success.

Validation and Iteration:

• We will conduct a feasibility study in the initial phase. This will involve in-depth research on existing land administration processes, legal frameworks, and stakeholder needs in the target African city. This study will ensure our approach aligns with real-world requirements.
• We will adopt an agile development methodology, allowing for continuous iteration based on feedback from stakeholders and user testing throughout the project lifecycle. This ensures we adapt to challenges and refine our approach as needed.

Financial Management Transparency:

• We will establish clear financial reporting procedures. Regular reports will detail project expenses and funding allocation, ensuring transparency in how funds are used.
• We will explore third-party auditing for project funds, further demonstrating our commitment to responsible financial management.
• We will actively seek community feedback on project expenditures and resource allocation, fostering a sense of shared ownership and accountability.

By combining our team's expertise, open-source development principles, rigorous validation processes, and transparent financial management, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. We are committed to building a secure and empowering land titling system for Africa, fostering a more transparent and prosperous future for its citizens.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

This project outlines a phased approach with well-defined milestones to deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within 8 months. Here's a breakdown of the key milestones:

Milestone 1: Research & Design (2 Months)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Completed feasibility study analysing existing land administration processes, legal frameworks, and stakeholder needs in the chosen African city.
• System design documentation outlining the MVP architecture, user stories, and core functionalities (focusing on user mobile app and government verification portal).
• Developed user personas and journey maps to understand user needs and interactions with the system.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Feasibility study identifies a clear path forward for the project within the chosen African context.
• System design documents are approved by the project team and relevant stakeholders.
• User personas and journey maps effectively capture user needs and interactions with the MVP.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• A comprehensive feasibility study report will be delivered.
• System design documents will be available for review and approval.
• User personas and journey maps will be presented in a clear and concise format.

Milestone 2: Development & Testing (4 Months)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Functional mobile application prototype for citizen land title management (viewing, claiming, and basic transfer functionalities).
• Integrating with 3rd party Cardano SSI platform for issuing and verifying Verifiable Credentials (VCs) related to land ownership.
• Develop government verification portal for authorized officials to access and verify land ownership VCs.
• Deploy mobile, api and related infrastructure to respective test environments
• Conduct internal testing of the MVP functionalities.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• The mobile application prototype demonstrates core functionalities for land title management within the MVP scope.
• The 3rd party SSI blockchain platform successfully issues and verifies VCs for land ownership.
• The government verification portal allows authorized officials to access and verify land ownership VCs.
• Internal testing identifies and addresses critical bugs and usability issues.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• A functional mobile application prototype will be available for demonstration.
• A technical report will detail the development of the Cardano blockchain platform and government verification portal.
• Internal testing reports will document identified issues and implemented solutions.

Final Milestone: Pilot Deployment & Refinement (2 Months)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Successful pilot implementation with a limited group of citizens in Ethiopia.
• Comprehensive user feedback report on the mobile application and system functionalities.
• Refined mobile application based on user feedback and testing results.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• small group of pilot participants successfully utilize the mobile application for core land title management tasks in demo environment
• User feedback report identifies key areas for improvement within the MVP.
• The mobile application is updated to address critical user feedback and usability issues based on the pilot.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• A detailed pilot testing report will document the implementation process, user participation, and encountered challenges.
• User feedback will be compiled and analyzed in a comprehensive report.
• The updated mobile application will be demonstrated, showcasing the implemented refinements based on user feedback.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

We have assembled a dedicated team with the necessary expertise to successfully deliver this project.

• Ermias Bunaro Bute(Linkedin): Project Lead & Blockchain Developer
• He will oversee the entire project lifecycle, manage communications, and lead the development of the secure DApp architecture on the Cardano blockchain.
• His experience in designing and managing blockchain products positions him well for this role.
• Blockchain Developer (to be recruited):- Build core functionalities of the land titling system on the Cardano blockchain.
• Tinsae Mesfin (Linkedin): Mobile App Designer
• Tinsae Mesfin will be responsible for creating high-fidelity mockups and prototypes for the mobile app, ensuring a user-friendly and intuitive interface.
• Their experience in designing apps aligns perfectly with this project's needs.
• Abrham Bunaro (Linkedin): React Native Developer
• Abrham will be responsible for developing the non-functional prototype of the mobile app using React Native, ensuring it aligns with the design mockups and provides a seamless user experience.
• Their experience in building web apps is essential for this project's technical execution.
• Asst. Prof. Kuribachew Gizaw (LinkedIn): Implementation & Operations Advisor
• Asst. Prof. Kuribachew Gizaw will advise on the implementation and operational aspects of the project, leveraging their expertise in Ministry of Education in Ethiopia. Their experience in Addis Ababa University will be instrumental in ensuring the project's successful deployment and long-term sustainability.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Grant Request: 98,500 ADA

This cost breakdown outlines the resources required for each project phase and their corresponding Cardano ADA (ADA) allocation, focusing on delivering a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within 8 months.

Estimated ADA price: 1USD => 0.45ADA

Phase 1: Research & Design (2 Months) - 22,500 ADA

• Personnel:
• Project Manager (1): 7,500 ADA/month (2 months) = 15,000 ADA
• Travel & Accommodation: (For potential travel to the chosen African city for research purposes) = 7,250 ADA

Phase 2: Development & Testing (4 Months) - 58,000 ADA

• Personnel:
• Blockchain Developer: 10,000 ADA/month (2 months) = 20,000 ADA
• UI Designer (1): 7,000 ADA/month (2 months) = 14,000 ADA
• Mobile App Developer: 8,000 ADA/month (4 months) = 16,000 ADA
• 3rd party SSI Providers (for development & testing environment):
• 3,000 ADA/month (2 months) = 6,000 ADA

Phase 3: Pilot Deployment & Refinement (2 Months) - 20,000 ADA

• Personnel:
• Implementation & Operations Advisor (finalization): 5,000 ADA/month (2 months) = 12,500 ADA
• Hosting user testing and deployment operations = 7,500 ADA

Total Project Cost: 98,500 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The requested budget of 98,500 ADA represents a strategic investment in a project with the potential to deliver significant and long-lasting value for the Cardano ecosystem. Here's how the cost breakdown translates into tangible benefits:

Focus on Efficiency:

• Personnel costs are based on competitive rates for experienced developers and project management professionals in the blockchain industry. We prioritize utilizing existing team members where possible to optimize resource allocation (e.g., reduced mobile app development cost in Phase 2).

Sustainable Development:

• The budget allocation for training materials and awareness campaigns ensures effective knowledge transfer and user adoption of the system in the pilot city. This fosters long-term sustainability and paves the way for wider rollout.

Security and Transparency:

• The optional cost of a third-party code audit, while adding to the total, signifies our commitment to the highest security standards. This strengthens trust in the project and the overall Cardano ecosystem.

Long-Term Impact:

• The budget ensures the development of comprehensive project documentation (codebase, user manuals) which facilitates future maintenance, adaptation, and potential adoption by other African cities. This maximizes the project's overall impact.

Contextualizing Costs:

• Blockchain development expertise carries a premium due to high demand and specialized skill sets. However, the project's impact on land rights, economic development, and Cardano adoption justifies this investment.
• Travel and accommodation costs are minimized by focusing initial development efforts remotely. We will travel to the pilot city strategically for user testing and system deployment.

Beyond the Budget:

• The value proposition extends beyond the financial investment. The project fosters community engagement, attracts new developers to Cardano, and showcases the platform's potential for real-world social impact. This translates into long-term value creation for the entire ecosystem.