Within GREDEG, Kanga Mireille Ekra explored the link between rural land tenure and food security in Côte d'Ivoire.
Kanga Mireille Ekra, researcher at GREDEG (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019)).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school Droit et Sciences Politiques, Économiques et de Gestion.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
Food security is a fundamental issue for developing countries, and rural land tenure in Côte d'Ivoire is a central pillar. Indeed, food security is not limited to the availability of food but also encompasses access to these resources, their use, and their sustainability. The 1998 law on rural land tenure introduced a system of private property and economic liberalism that, while aiming to secure land, favors an elite at the expense of smallholder farmers. This imbalance jeopardizes food security, as local farmers, often indigenous, find themselves marginalized in a system that does not meet their needs.
Smallholders, who represent a significant share of agricultural production, often face challenges related to access to land. In Côte d'Ivoire, nearly 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. However, customary rules, although respected by communities, are often ignored by modern laws that prioritize private property. This creates tension between the rights of indigenous people and market demands. For example, a farmer who has cultivated a piece of land for generations may be expelled in favor of investors wishing to develop commercial plantations.
This situation is not unique to Côte d'Ivoire, but it is symptomatic of a broader trend in West Africa, where agricultural land is increasingly coveted by private and foreign interests. The consequences of this dynamic are profound: the loss of land for smallholders leads not only to a decrease in food production but also to an increase in poverty and food insecurity.
An alternative could lie in establishing a system of customary property that respects the rights of indigenous peoples and meets the food needs of farming communities. This change could not only improve food security but also strengthen social cohesion and the sustainability of agricultural practices. By integrating traditional practices into the legal framework, a more resilient agriculture could be promoted, capable of facing climate and economic challenges.
It is imperative that policymakers take these dynamics into account to develop policies that promote equitable access to land. The issue of land tenure should not be viewed solely from an economic perspective but also as a social and cultural issue. The testimonies of smallholders reveal a reality where land is more than just an economic asset; it is the foundation of their identity and survival. For example, in some regions, land is considered a family heritage, a symbol of belonging to a community.
Land policies must therefore be designed with the lived realities of farmers in mind. This involves listening to the voices of local communities, recognizing their rights, and giving them a place in the decision-making process. Initiatives such as community forums or public consultations could be established to gather farmers' concerns and integrate their needs into land policies.
In conclusion, reflection on rural land tenure in Côte d'Ivoire must go beyond mere legal considerations. It is a complex issue that requires an integrated approach, taking into account the lived realities of farmers and the implications for food security. Food security cannot be achieved without equitable access to land, and this requires strong political will to reform land laws and protect the rights of smallholders. Ultimately, ensuring food security in Côte d'Ivoire is an imperative not only for the well-being of farmers but also for the stability and sustainable development of the country.
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Kanga Mireille Ekra. La sécurité alimentaire à l'épreuve du droit foncier rural en Côte d'Ivoire. Droit. Université Côte d'Azur, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025COAZ0012⟩. ⟨tel-05408489⟩