## The Stakes: Land, Security, and the ECOWAS Compact
The reform’s significance extends beyond Benin’s borders. The country’s location at the intersection of several major geopolitical currents – the Gulf of Guinea, the Sahel, and the Atlantic – makes it a crucial node within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS, established in 1972, promotes political and economic integration amongst its 15 member states, largely predicated on shared security concerns and, increasingly, the management of shared resources. The land reform is, therefore, being viewed through a security lens. Weakening of local governance structures due to unresolved land disputes can fuel instability, providing fertile ground for extremist groups and undermining the collective security efforts of the ECOWAS Compact – a security initiative addressing terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime. “Land is inherently a security issue,” stated Dr. Fatima Diallo, a senior researcher at the International Crisis Group. “When communities lack formal, secure land rights, they are more vulnerable to manipulation and recruitment by actors seeking to exploit grievances.”
## A History of Dispossession and the Case for Formalization
Benin’s agricultural sector is overwhelmingly rural, with over 70% of the population reliant on farming. Historically, land ownership patterns have been deeply unequal, with customary land tenure systems predominantly favouring men. This has been compounded by colonial legacies and subsequent modernization efforts. The customary system, based on lineage and communal use, frequently marginalized women’s rights and contributed to widespread landlessness, particularly amongst female-headed households. The STEG project, launched in 2020, seeks to address this by formalizing land rights, granting ownership to women, and strengthening tenure protection through a combination of legislative reform, community-based mapping, and the establishment of a land registry. The initial phases, completed over the last six months, have involved surveying and demarcation of land parcels, registering approximately 15,000 land titles, and providing legal support to women’s groups. “The core of the reform is shifting from a system of ‘use and occupancy’ – which essentially allowed anyone to claim ownership – to a system based on documented, secure rights,” explained Professor Jean-Pierre Moreau, a specialist in African land governance at the University of Bordeaux. Data from the World Bank’s Benin Poverty Assessment 2024 indicates a 15% reduction in household poverty rates in areas where the land reform is most advanced.
## Challenges and Shifting Dynamics
Despite the potential, the reform faces significant challenges. Resistance from deeply entrenched customary leaders, who view the formalization process as a threat to their authority, remains a persistent obstacle. Furthermore, the lack of robust judicial capacity and systemic corruption present ongoing hurdles. There are also concerns about the long-term sustainability of the land registry, particularly regarding financing and ongoing maintenance. The recent Sahelian migration patterns – spurred by drought and insecurity – have exacerbated existing tensions, placing added pressure on land resources and complicating the formalization process. Data released by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) suggests a 20% increase in cross-border migration within the region over the past two years, significantly impacting resource availability in already strained areas. This has led to increased disputes over water rights and grazing lands, further undermining the legitimacy of the reform.
## Regional Implications and the Test of ECOWAS
The success – or failure – of the Benin land reform represents a critical test for the ECOWAS Compact. A well-managed, equitable land tenure system could strengthen regional security by reducing conflict drivers and fostering sustainable development. Conversely, a poorly implemented or corrupt reform could destabilize the region, bolstering the influence of extremist groups and undermining ECOWAS’s efforts to maintain stability. The region is currently grappling with the repercussions of the Niger coup, further demonstrating the fragility of established alliances and the need for adaptable security frameworks. “Benin is a bellwether,” stated Dr. Diallo. “What happens there will inform how ECOWAS responds to similar challenges across the region.” The next six months will be critical as the land registry moves into its second phase – encompassing the mass registration of land titles – and as ECOWAS explores ways to leverage the Benin experience to address land-related conflicts in other member states. The long-term outcome hinges on the ability of ECOWAS to develop a more integrated approach to land governance, incorporating robust security considerations alongside economic and social development goals. The need to foster trust, promote inclusive governance, and enhance judicial capacity remains paramount. A shared vision, built on collaborative action, is required to transform the Benin land reform into a catalyst for regional stability.