Land is a foundation of identity, culture and survival across Africa. Yet, it is also the source of some of the most profound conflicts and challenges in the continent. The land question which spans across governance, ownership, access and resource utilisation, is deeply embedded in the fabric of African society. It encompasses issues like how land is managed and regulated, who holds rights to it, how land can be accessed by different individuals and communities, and how it is utilised. The land question often involves historical legacies, legal frameworks, and socio-economic factors that shape how land is allocated and contested.
Reporting on land issues can often feel overwhelming and frustrating, especially when change seems slow and progress hard to come by. For many journalists, tackling stories that span entire countries and also touch on deeply personal experiences within each community can be a challenge.
So, how can you approach this subject? This guide provides strategies for covering land issues in your community or country, along with key resources and sources that will help you gather information, connect with experts, and enhance the depth and accuracy of your reporting.
Understanding land governance, administration and tenure
Colonial land policies profoundly affected land ownership and usage patterns across Africa. The imposition of formal land tenure systems on traditional customary land practices disrupted established land governance structures. This legacy has left a lasting imprint, contributing to ongoing land conflicts and inequalities. The complexity is further compounded by the clash between foreign land tenure systems and traditional land ownership practices, which continue to influence land management and disputes today.
The governance and administration of land are crucial for ensuring fair access and effective use. However, weak land governance systems—marked by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency—can exacerbate existing land conflicts and inequalities. The inadequacy of land administration systems, which struggle to accurately record and protect land rights, further fuels insecurity and disputes. This challenge is deeply rooted in the colonial legacy that disrupted traditional land practices, making the task of achieving equitable land management even more complex.
As a journalist, it is essential for you to get a solid grasp on the various layers of land governance. Begin by familiarising yourself with the key laws and regulations that govern land in your country. This includes national constitutions, land acts, and property laws, as well as customary laws in regions where traditional authority plays a significant role. Understanding these different tenure systems and how they are being applied will give you a solid foundation for your reporting.
Do not stop at the legal texts. Governance is not just about what is written on paper, but it is also about how these laws are put into practice—or often, how they are not. Pay attention to how government institutions, local authorities, and the judiciary implement (or fail to implement) these laws. Engage with key players both on and off the record, and do not hesitate to participate in discussions and attend events where land governance is being debated. Regularly consult with experts in land law and governance to keep abreast of any legislative changes or regulatory shifts. These changes can have significant implications for land ownership, access, and distribution, so staying informed is crucial for producing accurate and insightful reports.
The impact of legislative and regulatory changes
Legislative and regulatory frameworks are the backbone of land governance, dictating who can own land, how land can be used, and what rights landowners have. As laws evolve, they can either exacerbate existing inequalities or help to address them.
Journalists must keep a close eye on any changes to land laws. For instance, if a new land policy is introduced, what are the implications for different stakeholders? How does it affect women, who in many African societies have historically been denied land ownership? What about youth or marginalised groups such as indigenous people?
Reporting on these changes requires a deep understanding of the legislative process. Attend parliamentary sessions, follow debates, and engage with lawmakers to gain insights into the rationale behind new laws. Do not just report on the law itself: explore how it is being received by different communities and what challenges exist in its implementation.
In addition to national laws, consider the role of regional and international frameworks in shaping land governance. Instruments such as the African Union’s Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa can offer a broader perspective on land issues across the continent.
The dynamics of the land market
Land acquisition is a point of contention in many African countries. This can range from large-scale land deals involving multinational corporations to smaller, more localised transactions. These land deals, which form part of what is known as land markets, can significantly impact communities. They include the various mechanisms and actors involved in these transactions, such as buyers, sellers, brokers, and legal entities.
For journalists, keeping a close eye on land markets is crucial. These markets are more than economic transactions, having profound social and environmental implications. Large-scale deals can displace communities, alter local economies, and impact environmental sustainability. Smaller transactions, while seemingly less dramatic, can also lead to local disputes and affect individuals’ access to land and resources. By closely monitoring these transactions, journalists can uncover stories of inequity, exploitation, or community resistance, shedding light on how these deals affect ordinary people and the environment.
Ask as many questions as you can and cultivate a keen sense of curiosity. Who is purchasing land and what the reasons behind these acquisitions? Are these transactions being conducted transparently, or are there shady deals that undermine local communities? Investigate the roles and responsibilities of government agencies in these transactions. Are they facilitating or obstructing the process? Scrutinise the involvement of local authorities and how they may influence or regulate these deals.
One approach is to track land deals over time. Follow the paper trail of land purchases, from initial negotiations to final ownership transfers. Investigate whether land deals comply with national laws and whether they respect the rights of affected communities. In cases of large-scale acquisitions, such as for agricultural or mining projects, assess the impact on local livelihoods and the environment.
Remember, every land deal has a human story. For every plot of land sold, there is likely a family that has lost its home or a community that has been displaced. Amplify these voices in your reporting, showing the real-world consequences of land acquisitions.
Beyond ownership: Addressing access and benefit from land
Land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. Equally important are questions of access to land and the benefits that flow from its use. In many African contexts, owning land does not guarantee that one can fully utilise it, particularly when powerful interests are at play.
As a journalist, look beyond the land titles and certificates to explore issues of access. Who has the right to use land, and for what purposes? Are there barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing land, such as women, youth, or pastoralists? How are conflicts over land access being resolved—or not resolved?
In many cases, land is held communally, with usage rights often determined by traditional leaders, councils of elders, clans, or families, depending on the region. Customary land tenure systems can vary significantly from one area to another. When reporting on land issues, it is important to understand customary ownership rules, and to focus on any tensions customary and statutory land rights, particularly in areas where rapid economic development is placing increasing pressure on communal lands. This may involve examining how traditional practices are being challenged or integrated with formal legal frameworks and the impact this has on local communities.
Benefit-sharing is another critical issue. When land is used for purposes such as mining or large-scale agriculture, it is essential to examine how the profits are distributed. Are local communities receiving their fair share of the benefits, or are they being side-lined? Investigative journalism can help reveal inequities in these arrangements.
On a smaller scale, benefit-sharing also plays a significant role within communities and families. In many cases, those who work the land may not be the ones who see the benefits due to unequal social dynamics. It is important to explore how benefits are shared within families or local communities and identify any disparities that may arise from these interpersonal or communal dynamics. Unequal distribution of benefits can often reflect deeper social inequalities, making it vital for journalists to highlight these issues to ensure that all those involved in land use are fairly recognised and compensated.
Using the courts and beyond to explore new reporting areas
Court cases related to land policy and inheritance are pivotal as they set important precedents that shape the future of land governance. For journalists, these cases present a rich opportunity for in-depth reporting and analysis.
Key court rulings can provide clarity on ambiguous laws, resolve longstanding disputes, and even prompt legislative reforms. To report effectively on these cases, it is essential to follow them meticulously from the initial filings through to the final judgments. This involves attending court hearings, scrutinising legal documents, and consulting with legal experts to fully grasp the implications of each case. Understanding the broader context and potential ripple effects of these rulings will enhance your reporting and provide a more comprehensive view of their impact.
Exploring new reporting areas through the courts involves not only examining formal legal proceedings but also considering informal or customary mediation systems. While court cases provide valuable insights into land policy and inheritance issues, informal mediation methods, often guided by traditional or community leaders, also play a significant role in resolving disputes.
Inheritance disputes are particularly prevalent in many African countries, where customary laws often clash with statutory regulations. These cases can be emotionally charged, often involving family conflicts and deep-rooted grievances. When covering inheritance disputes, it is crucial to approach the stories with sensitivity and respect for the personal and cultural dimensions involved. Ensuring that you present these issues fairly and empathetically will help to convey the complexity and significance of these cases to your audience.
Generate new insights from data
Data is often the missing link in effective land reporting. Without accurate data, it is challenging to assess the scale of land issues, identify trends, or hold authorities accountable. However, land data can be notoriously difficult to obtain, especially when it is held by private entities or government agencies with little transparency.
One solution is to collaborate with advocacy organisations that specialise in land issues. Many of these organisations conduct research, collect data, and produce reports that can be invaluable resources for journalists. Reach out to organisations that focus on specific aspects of land, such as pastoralism, indigenous rights, or natural resource exploitation. These groups can provide not only data but also expert insights and connections to local communities.
In addition to external data sources, consider developing your own data-gathering techniques. For instance, you might conduct surveys in affected communities, track land disputes over time, or map land acquisitions using digital tools. Data journalism can be a powerful way to visualise land issues and make them more accessible to your audience.
Get out of the newsroom and put your boots on the ground
Land stories cannot be told from the comfort of your desk in the newsroom. To truly understand the complexities of land issues, journalists must get out into the field, talk to people, and see the land for themselves.
Field reporting allows you to capture what is often missed in second-hand reports. Visit communities affected by land disputes, speak with farmers and local leaders, and observe how land is being used—or misused. By putting faces to the issues, you humanise your stories and make them more relatable to your audience.
Fieldwork also helps you stay ahead of the curve, identifying emerging trends and potential flashpoints before they become major news. For instance, you might uncover a brewing land dispute in a remote area that has not yet attracted national attention. By reporting on it early, you can shape the narrative and potentially influence the outcome.
Of course, field reporting comes with its own set of challenges, from logistical difficulties to personal safety risks. Plan your trips carefully, build relationships with local contacts, and always be mindful of the ethical considerations involved in reporting on sensitive land issues.
Connect with key sources
To support your reporting on land issues, tap into the resources offered by the numerous land advocacy and research organisations.
As a member of the International Land Coalition (ILC), the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) encourages journalists to make use of the coalition’s extensive resources. The ILC offers reports, policy briefs, case studies, and data sets that can inform your reporting. It also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration with other journalists and organisations working on land issues.
Beyond the ILC, there are numerous other organisations focused on different aspects of land. For example, if you are reporting on pastoralism, connect with the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub. For stories on indigenous rights, the Forest Peoples Programme offers valuable insights. Gender-focused land issues can be explored in collaboration with organisations like Landesa or in-country organisations.
Build a network of contacts across organisations in your country and region, and stay informed about the latest developments in land governance and gain access to expert opinions and local perspectives.
The pathways to reporting on land are as many as the land conflicts in your community. These few tips are designed to help focus your mind and deepen your reporting about land issues.
- Study exemplary land reporting by other journalists. Analyse how they approached complex issues, and identify strategies that you can adapt to your own reporting.
- Land issues are often complicated slow to resolve, so use a long-term approach to your reporting. Consider tracking specific cases or issues over time to provide a deeper, ongoing narrative rather than one-off reports.
- Use different approaches like explanatory journalism, feature stories, investigations and visualisations to tell compelling stories about land. Each method can offer unique insights and appeal to different audiences.
- Employ data-drive journalism. Collaborate with land advocacy groups to access data and use it to create compelling, evidence-based reports.
- Link your land reporting to related topics like natural resource exploitation, urban development, environmental conservation, water, food security, agriculture, and social inequality. This interconnected approach can reveal the broader impact of land issues.
- Identify and report on solutions to land issues. Many organisations, communities and individuals are working on innovative approaches to land governance, access, and conflict resolution—share these successes with your audience.
- Get a good grasp of national constitutions, land acts, property laws, and customary laws governing land in your country. This foundational knowledge is essential for accurate and insightful reporting.
- Examine how land laws are put into practice or how they fail to be implemented. Highlight inefficiencies, corruption, and the gaps between policy and practice.
- Follow ongoing national debates and conversations about land issues. Speak to lawmakers, activists and community leaders to stay informed about emerging issues and perspectives.
- Keep a close eye on changes in land laws and policies. Investigate their implications for various stakeholders, particularly marginalised groups like women, youth, and indigenous people.
- Use specific land disputes or transactions as case studies to explore broader issues. These examples can help illustrate complex concepts for your audience.
- Keep a tab on land transactions at both local and large-scale levels. Uncover stories of exploitation, displacement, and resistance, and explore the economic and social implications of these transactions.
- Follow the journey of land deals from initial negotiations to final ownership transfers. Investigate compliance with laws and the impact on affected communities, ensuring you bring to light any injustices.
- Report on issues beyond ownership, such as access to land and benefit-sharing. Examine how land use profits are distributed and whether local communities are receiving their fair share.
- Track land-related court cases and understand the broader implications of key rulings for land governance and report on how these rulings impact communities.
- Understand and report on customary land tenure systems and how they interact with statutory laws. Focus on how traditional practices are being challenged or integrated into formal frameworks.
- Expand your network of contacts by connecting with key sources across land advocacy and research organisations. Stay informed about the latest developments and leverage expert opinions and local perspectives in your reporting.
- Focus on how land issues affect marginalised groups, such as women, youth, people with disabilities and indigenous communities. Give voice to those who are often underrepresented in land governance discussions, and ensure their stories are heard.
- Partner with other journalists, both locally and internationally, to share resources, insights, and strategies for reporting on land issues. Collaboration can lead to more comprehensive and impactful stories.
- Reporting on land issues can involve risks, especially when dealing with powerful interests. Always prioritise your safety and well-being, and seek support when needed. Remember that maintaining your mental and physical health is crucial for sustained, impactful journalism.
Here is a shortlist of regional and international resources and organisations that can be valuable for journalists reporting on land issues.
Remember to make contact with national land coalitions, land alliances and other groups in your country that have expertise on issues specific to your country, region or community.
- African Land Policy Centre (ALPC) – Supports the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda on Land, providing policy briefs, research papers, and technical support on land governance.
- Land Matrix – An open-access global land monitoring initiative that tracks land deals across the world, with a focus on Africa, Asia and Latin America.
- International Land Coalition Africa (ILC Africa) – A regional network within the International Land Coalition that promotes secure and equitable access to land through advocacy and knowledge-sharing. Resources available: publications, reports, and a member directory with contact information for African land organisations.
- Landesa – Works to secure land rights for the world’s poorest, particularly in Africa and Asia. The organisation has several research reports, case studies, and guides on land rights and land tenure.
- Pastoralist Knowledge Hub (FAO) – Focuses on the issues facing pastoralist communities, including land access and rights.
- Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) – Promotes pro-poor land tools to improve tenure security for the poor and marginalised. Contains land tools, research reports, policy briefs, and technical guides.
- Land Portal – A global gateway for land information, providing access to land-related data, reports, and news.
- Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) – Focuses on the land and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and women. Has several reports, data, and analysis on land rights, forest governance and natural resources.
- World Resources Institute (WRI) – Land and Resource Rights – Using data, research and analyses, focuses on securing land and resource rights for vulnerable communities.
- FAO – Governance of Tenure – Provides guidelines and tools for improving the governance of land tenure. Resources include the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT), reports, and technical manuals.
- Global Witness – Investigates and exposes environmental and human rights abuses connected to land and natural resources.
