Reform of Rural Land Law in Côte d'Ivoire: A Key to Food Security for Smallholder Farmers

Kanga Mireille Ekra, a researcher at GREDEG of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, has demonstrated that the reform of rural land law in Côte d'Ivoire is essential for strengthening food security. Approximately 70% of the population depends on agriculture, but current laws favor an elite at the expense of smallholders, thus threatening their access to land and food production.

Kanga Mireille Ekra's research highlights the critical link between rural land law and food security in Côte d'Ivoire. The 1998 law, although aimed at securing land, has created an imbalance by favoring private ownership at the expense of smallholder farmers, who represent a significant share of production. This situation marginalizes local farmers, often indigenous, and compromises their access to land.

To unlock this impasse, the thesis proposes a reform of land law that takes into account the customary rules respected by communities. By securing the rights of smallholders, this reform could increase food production and improve resource sustainability. The findings show that access to land is crucial for farmers, who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.

The implications of this research are strategic for policymakers and investors. By reforming land law, a favorable investment environment can be created, thus supporting smallholders. This could generate substantial returns on investment in sustainable agriculture while minimizing social tensions through engagement with local communities.

« « In Côte d'Ivoire, nearly 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, but current laws marginalize smallholders, » says Kanga Mireille Ekra. »

« « Kanga Mireille Ekra's research highlights the importance of accessing knowledge to inform the decisions of development actors, » states the Lektaris team. »