The Paradox of Gender Equality and Economic Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Land Rights

Women's ownership of and access to land in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is crucial for determining gender equality and women's economic and social outcomes. Ownership of land by women positively contributes to their absolute employment, while a lack of ownership is associated with increased unemployment. However, women's rights of ownership are often limited and precarious, and the proportion of women who own land is lower than that of men. Effective gender-sensitive land policies are needed to address these issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region characterized by significant gender disparities in terms of land ownership and access, which have profound implications for gender equality and women's economic and social outcomes. This Element provides an in-depth analysis of the role of women's ownership of and access to land in SSA in determining gender equality and women's economic and social outcomes, and offers suggestions to inform effective gender-sensitive land policies.

Using cross-sectional regression analysis, we find that ownership of land by women positively contributes to women's absolute employment. Conversely, results from pairwise correlation show that a lack of ownership of land by women is highly correlated with increased women's unemployment. Despite these findings, the proportion of women who own land in SSA is lower than that of men. Moreover, women usually acquire land through either purchase from the market system or marriage, and even then their rights of ownership are usually very limited and precarious compared to the rights of men.

The issue of women's land ownership in SSA is complex and multifaceted. One of the primary barriers to women's land ownership is cultural and societal norms that prioritize male land rights and inheritance. Women are often excluded from decision-making processes related to land allocation and management, which can limit their access to and control over land resources. Additionally, women face significant economic and social barriers to land acquisition, such as lack of access to credit, land titling systems that are discriminatory against women, and gender-based violence and discrimination that can make it difficult for them to secure land rights.

To address these challenges, there are several policy interventions that can promote women's land ownership and access in SSA. These include:

Gender-responsive land policies: Governments can develop and implement gender-responsive land policies that prioritize women's land rights and address the barriers that prevent women from accessing and controlling land. These policies can include measures such as land titling systems that are inclusive of women's names, land redistribution programs that prioritize women's access to land, and policies that promote gender equality in land allocation and management.

Gender-sensitive land tenure systems: Land tenure systems can play a significant role in promoting women's land ownership and access. Governments can develop and implement land tenure systems that are inclusive of women's rights and interests, such as joint land ownership, community land trusts, and land rights registration systems. These systems can help to ensure that women have secure and long-term access to land resources.

Investment in women's land rights: Governments and international organizations can invest in programs that promote women's land rights and support women's land acquisition and management. This can include funding for land development projects that prioritize women's access to land, training programs for women in land management and governance, and advocacy campaigns that raise awareness about women's land rights.

Gender-based violence prevention and response: Gender-based violence and discrimination are significant barriers to women's land ownership and access. Governments and international organizations can invest in programs that prevent and respond to gender-based violence and discrimination, such as legal services, counseling services, and support for women's organizations.

Women's empowerment: Women's empowerment is a critical factor women's land ownership and access. Governments and international organizations can invest in programs that promote women's empowerment, such as education, training, and economic opportunities, which can help to increase women's social and economic status and their ability to access and control land resources.

In conclusion, women's ownership of and access to land in SSA is a critical factor in determining gender equality and women's economic and social outcomes. Addressing the barriers to women's land ownership and promoting effective gender-sensitive land policies is essential to promoting gender equality and sustainable development in SSA. By implementing these policy interventions, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society that benefits all individuals, regardless of gender.

Weight: 122g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009371889