CUSTOMARY NORMS AND DIFFERENTIATED ACCESS TO LAND: THE CASE OF WOMEN IN KEIBLA (CENTRAL-WESTERN COTE DIVOIRE)

This study examines how customary norms shape womens access to land and influence both their economic activities and their position within local governance structures in KEIBLA, a village located in central-western Cote d Ivoire. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a household survey with qualitative interviews conducted with women, lineage leaders and local authorities. Findings indicate that land tenure arrangements remain deeply anchored in patrilineal principles, which restrict womens direct ownership rights. Women mainly access land through derivative rights marital tolerance, family lending or informal arrangements creating a fragile basis for their agricultural and pastoral activities. Such insecurity limits their ability to invest sustainably in production and weakens their social legitimacy within village decision-making arenas. Nonetheless, the study highlights emerging adaptive strategies developed by women, including economic diversification and the mobilisation of solidarity networks. Overall, the research sheds light on the intersection of customary norms, gender relations and land dynamics, underscoring the need for more inclusive local governance mechanisms capable of enhancing womens land security and economic autonomy in rural communities.