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Intra-Family and Socio-Political Dimensions of Land Markets and Land Conflicts: The Case of the Abure, Côte d'Ivoire

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 May 2011

Georges Kouamé
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Abstract

This article is a contribution to reflection on the question of land markets in Africa. Based on a case study of Abure society (Côte d'Ivoire), the article emphasizes, first, the relation between the intra-family dimension of land rights and the functioning of the land lease market. Particular attention is paid to intra-family land tensions induced by the land lease market, and their repercussions in the form of inter-community conflict reflecting the ethnic-national basis of the land lease market (with autochthonous Abure lessors and Burkinabe tenants). Second, emphasis is placed on the socio-political dimension of land tenancy relationships. The article is based on a deciphering of the land rights and land tenure practices within Abure family groups, and of a 2001 conflict which set Abure young men against Burkinabe pineapple growers. Beyond the inter-community conflict surrounding land, the article reveals an intergenerational conflict within Abure society itself between social juniors and the elders who manage family land, regarding the delegation of rights to lease out family land and the distribution of land lease (rental) income.

Cet article contribue à la réflexion sur la question des marchés fonciers en Afrique. À partir d'une étude de cas sur la société abouré (Côte d'Ivoire), l'article commence par souligner la relation entre la dimension intrafamiliale des droits fonciers et le fonctionnement du marché locatif foncier. Il attire particulièrement l'attention sur les tensions foncières intrafamiliales induites par le marché locatif foncier, et sur leurs répercussions sous la forme de conflit intercommunautaire reflétant la base nationale ethnique du marché locatif foncier (avec des bailleurs abouré autochtones et des locataires burkinabè). Il met ensuite l'accent sur la dimension sociopolitique des relations locatives foncières. L'article s'appuie sur le déchiffrement des droits fonciers et des pratiques foncières au sein des groupes familiaux abouré, et sur l'analyse d'un conflit qui a opposé en 2001 les jeunes abouré aux planteurs d'ananas burkinabè. Au-delà du conflit intercommunautaire entourant la question foncière, l'article révèle un conflit intergénérationnel au sein de la société abouré elle-même, entre les cadets et les aînés sociaux qui gèrent les terres familiales, concernant la délégation des droits de donner à bail les terres familiales et la distribution des revenus locatifs fonciers.

Type
Research Articles
Information
Africa , Volume 80 , Special Issue 1: Interpreting Land Markets in Africa , February 2010 , pp. 126 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © International African Institute 2010

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