Synthesis Report Land, Ethnicity and Conflict in Africa: implications for African land policy initiatives

Abstract

This report draws on the findings of a comprehensive research study on the relationship between land, ethnicity and conflict in Africa. The importance of this topic became clear during a regional consultation and reflection process initiated in 2006 by ECA, the African Union Commission and AfDB. That process and its outcomes encouraged the dissemination of relevant knowledge to support land policy development and the implementation of those land use policies. This report aims to support efforts by ALPC to generate and disseminate knowledge to promote effective land governance in Africa and underscores that an understanding of land-related ethnic conflict must lie at the core of land policy development and implementation, as well as efforts to foster peace and security. It also emphasizes that resolving land-related conflicts in Africa can provide a strong foundation for economic growth and sustainable development. The study outlined in this report looked in detail at the issue of ethnic identity in Africa and sought to map various ethnic groups and ethnically based claims. It provided an overview of ethnic diversity within contemporary African societies and ways in which that diversity could be harnessed to promote socioeconomic development. The study examined several of the conflicts in Africa, and assessed the extent to which those conflicts were caused by ethnic tensions, and by struggles to control and access land and resources. The study analyses the political and social drivers of politicized ethnicity in Africa and their linkages to land, while simultaneously analyzing the impact of ethnic conflict over land on livelihood stability and productivity. The report concludes by looking at lessons learned, with examples of best practices regarding how ethnic diversity in Africa can be used as a tool for peacebuilding and the promotion of social harmony.