Determinants of Women’s Land Tenure Security in Peri-Urban Grafton, Sierra Leone

Abstract

While a land-tenure system may consider the needs of women, securing these needs hinges on the specific land rights or ownership rights they hold. Land tenure encompasses land rights, which are the distinct entitlements that individuals and groups possess within a system. Hence, securing land rights for individuals and groups is the more direct pathway than securing land tenure itself. This study investigates the complex variables influencing land-tenure security for women in Grafton Community, a peri urban settlement in Sierra Leone. Expanding on prior research highlighting the unequal obstacles women face in obtaining and securing land rights, this study aims to examine the intricate interplay of sociocultural, economic and legal factors shaping women’s experiences with land tenure in this specific context. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combined qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with community leaders, women, youth, government officials, NGO representatives and traditional authorities with quantitative data gathered through surveys. The qualitative data explored historical context, institutional responses and policies related to women’s land rights and tenure security, capturing lived experiences and perspectives on contested areas and social conflicts. Focus group discussions were conducted with women, exploring the experiences of various subgroups (young women, elderly women, women with disabilities and women landowners) regarding tenure security. The survey collected demographic information, land ownership details and opinions on contested areas and social conflicts, enabling statistical analysis. Key findings reveal that gender norms, customary land-tenure systems, poverty and rapid urbanization significantly contribute to women’s vulnerability in land ownership and control. The study recommends policy interventions promoting women’s property rights, gender equality in land rights and women’s economic empowerment to enhance their land-tenure security.