‘Land issues are key to peace and development’
Ibrahima Diallo, a professor of land law and NELGA’s coordinator in West Africa, spoke to us about developing a comprehensive academic study programme on land issues.
What has changed in recent years with regard to academic courses on land issues?
It all began with an African Union analysis which found that land issues are not given sufficient attention in higher education courses. It was the same where I studied at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis in northern Senegal. The teaching on this important topic was spread over various faculties. We wanted to change that.
Thanks to NELGA, we have developed a complete study programme, from A to Z. In 2018, with support from GIZ and the African Land Policy Centre, we established a centre of excellence for all of West Africa, from Mali to Togo. The aim was to create a complete academic study programme in the field of land administration, right through to doctoral level. We started off with doctoral students. Since then, we’ve introduced a Master of Excellence in Land Governance, and the first of these graduates have already entered the workforce. A vocational bachelor’s programme will follow soon.
What makes the approach so special?
Our approach is interdisciplinary and comprehensive. We combine expertise from the fields of law, economics, agriculture and infrastructure, and we address issues such as land conflicts, gender and investment in agriculture, as well as urban planning and decentralisation. Many other programmes only deal with some of these aspects, but we cover the full spectrum. Our graduates now work in ministries and non-governmental organisations, for example.
Why are land issues so important for the future of West Africa?
Senegal currently has a population of 18 million, and that figure is expected to rise to 35 million by 2050. The key question is: how can we provide food and somewhere to live for these people without exacerbating land conflicts? If we don’t manage the land peacefully and fairly, there can be no sustainable agriculture, urban development or investment.
Land issues are key to peace and development. Our centre researches and analyses those issues and warns and advises policy-makers and society. We have presented concrete proposals to government and are working to establish an institute for university land studies in West Africa. I am optimistic about what the future holds – if we lay the right foundations now.