One general objective : contributing to land rights policies with a better knowledge of practices and interventions on land tenure and renewable resources

The general objective of the research program is to make a significant contribution to more equitable and appropriate policies and institutions for managing and providing more secure access to land and other natural resources in four countries of West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, Côte-d'Ivoire). Such policies lie at the heart of strategies to promote more sustainable development and tackle poverty in Africa. The research programme also seeks to strengthen research capacity and methods for engagement in policy debate in West Africa, while improving understanding of the issues internationally.

Four specific objectives, corresponding to four working packages

Working package 1 Dynamics of institutions regulating access to land To examine and document the changing patterns of rights over farmland in areas of rising competition for such land, the evolution and emergence of institutions by which people gain access to land, the extent to which land markets are developing, the socio-economic factors affecting such processes, and their implications, in four West African countries.

Working package 2 Changing rights to renewable natural resources To investigate and document the changing status and availability of renewable natural resources - other than land - in areas of rising competition and scarcity, the institutional dynamics regulating access to and control over these resources, the socio-economic factors affecting such processes, and their implications, in four West African countries.

Working package 3 Policy and process: impacts on land management To examine policies and interventions relating to land rights and tenure, processes of formulation and implementation, and their impacts on local practice in four West African countries.

Working package 4 Engaging in policy debate on land tenure To discuss and communicate findings with policy and decision-makers at national and local levels concerning ways to promote more equitable and appropriate mechanisms for managing and providing more secure access to land and natural resources.