Resource information
Land that is possessed, occupied and used by communities according to ‘customary law’ is the most common system of land and resource ownership in Africa. Customary law is the framework of rights, rules and responsibilities based on community customs and practices, governing ownership and management of a community’s lands, territories and resources.
This guide explains key aspects of law and land rights that are important for securing community ownership and control of land and resources – also referred to as secure land and resource tenure. It explains how to identify and create opportunities for law reform and offers examples of reforms that have taken place in several African countries.
The guide iaims to:
support an understanding of key aspects of a ‘good’ law and law reform process - laws and reforms that both respect human rights and are implemented, enforceable and participatory
give guidance on how to critically analyse an existing law or a proposed draft law
provide ideas on how to make the best use of law reform opportunities that arise
