Land conflicts and insecurity of land transactions in the commune of dédougou (Burkina Faso)

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Résumé

Context: Land conflicts constitute one of the most persistent and destabilising issues in the Sahelian context. In Burkina Faso, the difficult articulation between customary law and modern law, combined with demographic pressure and population displacement caused by insecurity, generates recurring tensions over land. Methodology: Drawing upon a qualitative approach, the study seeks to understand the mechanisms through which these conflicts are constructed, sustained, and perpetuated. It is based on 27 semi-structured interviews conducted with customary chiefs, local populations, and individuals directly involved in land conflicts in the commune of Dédougou. Results: The findings reveal a coherent architecture of land grabbing founded upon strategies of psychological attrition, collusion amongst customary authorities, and profound failings of administrative and judicial institutions. These conflicts durably undermine households, disrupt life plans, and threaten social cohesion. The study argues for a substantial reform of the land governance framework, articulating customary legitimacy with formal legal security.

Mots-clés

Land Conflicts, Land Grabbing, Land Law, Local Governance, Burkina Faso,