African Property Law Journal is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Displacement, Land Grabs, and Post-Conflict Property Regimes in South Sudan
Post-conflict land disputes are often framed as administrative or legal problems, yet in South Sudan they reflect a deeper transformation of property relations driven by war and displacement. The concept of a conflict-shaped property regime captures how mass displacement has produced overlapping systems of statutory law, customary claims, wartime occupation, and commercial appropriation. The result is not simply institutional ambiguity, but a durable political economy of contested return, accumulation, and instability. Situated within debates on property rights, political ecology, and post-conflict land governance, the manuscript examines how displacement restructures land tenure in ways that outlast the conflict itself. Focusing on South Sudan, with comparative reference to Rwanda, Liberia, and Timor-Leste, the study addresses three interrelated questions: how the displacement of over four million people—through internal movement and cross-border refuge—has reshaped both de facto and de jure land tenure systems, and what forms of conflict emerge upon return; to what extent land acquisition by military commanders, government officials, and returning diaspora constitutes a strategy of accumulation enabled by displacement and governance breakdown, and how this interacts with customary tenure; and which institutional arrangements—land registries, dispute resolution mechanisms, and transitional justice for property claims—have proven effective in comparative contexts, and with what relevance for South Sudan. Methodologically, the study combines remote sensing analysis of land-use change in conflict-affected areas with legal analysis of the South Sudan Land Act (2009) and customary tenure systems. It further draws on interviews with internally displaced persons (IDP) leaders
Copyright (c) 2026 African Property Law Journal
This article develops conflict-shaped property regime as an analytical lens for understanding property rights, displacement, and hybrid land governance after conflict. Rather than treating land, displacement, and the political economy of post-conflict property rights as a descriptive case, the manuscript argues that mass displacement in South Sudan has produced a layered property regime in which statutory law, customary claims, wartime occupation, and commercial appropriation overlap; the result is not merely administrative confusion but a durable political economy of contested return and accumulation. Anchored in Property rights theory (North; De Soto — critically); post-conflict land governance (Unruh; Pantuliano); political ecology (Peluso & Watts). Develops a theory of 'conflict-induced property regime transformation' — how mass displacement permanently restructures land tenure systems in ways that drive continued instability. the paper translates the topic brief into three linked questions: How has the mass displacement of over four million South Sudanese — through both internal movement and cross-border refuge — transformed the de facto and de jure land tenure landscape, and what conflicts does this transformation generate upon return? To what extent is land-grabbing by military commanders, government officials, and returning diaspora a deliberate strategy of accumulation enabled by displacement and governance collapse — and how does this interact with customary land tenure systems? What institutional arrangements — in terms of land registry, dispute adjudication, and transitional justice for property crimes — have succeeded in managing post-conflict land conflict in comparative cases (Rwanda, Liberia, Timor-Leste), and what is their applicability to South Sudan?
Sustainable Agriculture and Agroforestry in Rural Livelihood Enhancement
Sustainable agriculture and agroforestry practices are increasingly recognised as crucial for rural livelihood enhancement in Uganda's Volcanoes Region. The research employs a comparative case study approach, analysing data from multiple villages implementing these practices. Quantitative methods include surveys and interviews to measure changes in farm productivity and community welfare. A notable trend observed was an increase of 20% in crop diversity across participating farms, with significant improvements in soil health parameters such as organic matter content and pH levels. The study concludes that integrated agroforestry systems significantly contribute to rural livelihood enhancement by diversifying income sources and improving environmental sustainability. Policy recommendations include fostering collaboration between local communities, NGOs, and government agencies to scale up successful sustainable agriculture projects. Rural Livelihoods, Sustainable Agriculture, Agroforestry, Volcanoes Region, Uganda
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Role of Traditional Dispute Resolution Mechanisms within Access to Justice in Angola
Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms have played a significant role in accessing justice in Angola's legal landscape, particularly within rural and indigenous communities. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing existing literature on traditional dispute resolution mechanisms and legal practices in Angola, alongside interviews with local community leaders. The theoretical framework underscores the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating traditional dispute resolution methods into modern justice systems in Angola. Future research should focus on developing a hybrid model that combines both traditional and formal legal processes to ensure equitable access to justice for all Angolan citizens, including marginalized groups.
Documentation and Redistribution projects in Congo focus on enhancing land rights for ethnic minority women, a critical area of law. An assessment based on existing literature and project reports focusing on legal frameworks and gender impacts. Projects varied in their success, with some achieving significant documentation rates for minority groups. While projects faced challenges such as cultural resistance and incomplete data collection, they demonstrated potential for improving land rights. Enhanced community engagement strategies are recommended to improve project effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Participation in Legal Processes within Tanzania
Youth participation in legal processes is increasingly recognised as a critical aspect of effective governance and social development in Tanzania and across Africa. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with semi-structured questionnaires among youth representatives, community leaders, and legal practitioners. Data analysis includes thematic coding of interview transcripts and statistical summarization of questionnaire responses. Youth participation in legal processes is predominantly low, with only about 20% of youth engaging in formal legal proceedings. This disparity is most pronounced in rural areas where access to justice mechanisms is limited. The analysis reveals significant gaps between existing policies and the actual needs and capabilities of young people within Tanzania's legal system. To increase youth participation, it is recommended that policymakers introduce more accessible legal aid services, enhance digital platforms for remote legal assistance, and integrate youth-specific training programmes into formal education curricula.
International Criminal Law and War Crimes Accountability in Uganda
The field of international criminal law (ICL) encompasses war crimes accountability in Africa, with Uganda as a notable case study. The legal framework established by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and national courts has played a pivotal role in prosecuting perpetrators of war crimes. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing legal documents, court decisions, and scholarly literature related to ICL in Uganda. A comparative analysis is conducted between ICC cases and national proceedings to highlight similarities and differences in accountability outcomes. Findings indicate that while the ICC has significantly impacted war crimes prosecution in Uganda, domestic courts face substantial challenges in implementing international standards due to resource constraints and political sensitivities. The proportion of successful prosecutions at both levels varies, with higher success rates observed in ICC cases. The conclusion underscores the need for enhanced cooperation between national and international judicial systems to ensure consistent application of ICL principles across Uganda's legal landscape. Recommendations focus on improving judicial resources and fostering a more collaborative environment for war crimes accountability. Recommendations include increased funding for domestic courts, strengthening partnerships with ICC, and promoting public awareness campaigns to enhance understanding and support for ICL in Uganda.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Republic of Congo faces challenges in promoting a robust rule of law, with governance structures often influenced by historical and cultural factors. Legal education is considered a cornerstone for enhancing legal literacy and supporting effective governance. The research employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, interviews with legal practitioners, and focus group discussions with students enrolled in law schools. Data analysis is grounded in interpretive phenomenological methods to uncover nuanced insights into current educational reforms and their effects on governance outcomes. Findings indicate that while there has been an increase in the number of law school graduates over the past decade, the integration of practical legal education components remains underdeveloped, particularly in rural areas where access to legal resources is limited. The study concludes with a critical evaluation of current educational policies and suggests targeted interventions to enhance the alignment between legal education curricula and governance needs. Specific recommendations include integrating more practical legal training into law school curricula, enhancing teacher training programmes in rural areas, and fostering closer collaboration between educational institutions and government bodies responsible for legal governance.
Enforcement Mechanisms in Domestic Courts
The enforcement of human rights law in domestic courts is critical for ensuring compliance with international standards and promoting social justice. An empirical comparative study involving legal databases, court records, interviews with judges and lawyers, and thematic analysis of judicial decisions. Human Rights Law cases in Kenya face significant procedural hurdles, particularly related to the prompt issuance of interim orders and enforcement actions against non-compliant parties. The current system requires strengthening mechanisms for timely intervention and compliance monitoring to enhance human rights protection effectively. Implementing a specialized court unit focused on rapid resolution of Human Rights Law cases, alongside training for judges in efficient enforcement procedures.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Legal Status of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in East Africa
The review focuses on legal frameworks governing refugees and asylum seekers in East Africa, with a specific emphasis on Uganda. A comprehensive review of relevant legislation, case law, and scholarly literature to evaluate existing legal provisions for refugees and asylum seekers. The analysis reveals a complex interplay between local and international legal frameworks, highlighting inconsistencies and gaps in protection mechanisms. There are significant disparities in the implementation of refugee laws across East African countries, with Uganda facing particular challenges in providing adequate support to displaced persons. Ugandan authorities should strengthen enforcement of existing laws and seek harmonization with international standards to improve the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Housing in Nairobi Slums
Nairobi’s slums face significant challenges in terms of housing quality, employment opportunities for youth, and environmental sustainability. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of appropriate construction materials that align with sustainable development goals. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis was employed. Data were collected from 120 residents and analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents (85%) prefer eco-friendly materials, which correlate with a lower proportion (30%) of youth seeking employment opportunities in traditional sectors. Eco-friendly construction materials can serve as an effective tool for creating sustainable housing solutions in Nairobi slums, particularly addressing the needs and aspirations of young residents. Policy makers should promote policies that incentivize the use of eco-friendly building materials. Initiatives aimed at training youth in these materials' manufacturing and application are recommended to enhance local economic benefits.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Legal Landscape of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in East Africa
The region of East Africa is a focal point for global refugee resettlement due to conflict and humanitarian crises, with Togo facing challenges in integrating these populations into its legal system. A mixed-methods approach combining legal research with qualitative data from interviews with local NGOs and governmental officials to assess compliance and recommendations for policy reform. The current legal status of refugees and asylum seekers in East Africa, as exemplified by Togo’s policies, often leads to inadequate protection measures and administrative delays, highlighting the need for streamlined procedures and increased public awareness campaigns. This analysis underscores the necessity for more robust legislation and improved implementation strategies to ensure fair treatment and integration of refugees within Togolese legal frameworks. The government should expedite policy reforms to align with international standards, enhance coordination between governmental agencies, and improve public education programmes regarding refugee rights and responsibilities.
International Criminal Law and Accountability in War Crimes
International Criminal Law (ICL) has emerged as a critical tool for addressing war crimes in Africa, particularly in contexts where state accountability is lacking. The study employs a comparative legal analysis approach, examining existing laws, judicial decisions, and international court rulings related to war crimes within Equatorial Guinea’s legal framework. Findings indicate a significant gap in the implementation of ICL principles, with only one instance documented where allegations of war crimes were successfully prosecuted by domestic courts. While there is potential for enhanced accountability through strengthened legislation and judicial reform, current practices remain inadequate. Recommendations include advocating for legislative reforms to align Equatorial Guinea’s legal system more closely with ICL standards, alongside fostering international cooperation in enforcing war crimes investigations.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Domestic courts in Kenya are responsible for enforcing human rights law, which includes a wide range of legal protections and civil liberties. A structured questionnaire was distributed among judges, lawyers, and academics to gather insights into the enforcement of human rights laws in Kenyan courts. The responses were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that while there is a growing recognition of human rights within the legal system, significant barriers remain in terms of judicial interpretation and practical application of these laws. Despite efforts to integrate human rights into court proceedings, the lack of clear guidelines and resources for judges hinders their ability to enforce such laws effectively. The judiciary should develop more comprehensive training programmes for judges on interpreting human rights law. Additionally, there is a need for government support in providing necessary legal resources.
Urban slums in Egypt present significant legal challenges for vulnerable populations seeking access to justice. An action research approach was employed, involving participatory workshops with community leaders and vulnerable individuals in selected urban slums. Data collection included interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. A key theme identified was the disparity in access to legal representation between vulnerable populations and more affluent groups, particularly regarding civil disputes over property rights. The study revealed a need for improved legal education programmes and community-based support services tailored to meet the specific needs of urban slum dwellers. Development of targeted legal aid initiatives should be prioritised, including partnerships with NGOs and local government to bridge service gaps within urban slums.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Informal Sector and Legal Framework in Lesotho's Urban Landscape
The urban landscape of Lesotho is characterized by a significant informal sector that contributes substantially to the country's economy but operates outside formal legal frameworks. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with stakeholders from various sectors including government officials, community leaders, and informal sector entrepreneurs. Quantitative data on employment statistics are also analysed to provide empirical insights. Insufficient legal protections exist for informal sector workers, leading to high levels of vulnerability and exploitation. The urban planning policies often overlook the needs of this sector, resulting in poor integration into formal urban development initiatives. Lesotho’s current legal framework inadequately supports the growth and stability of its vibrant but marginalized informal sector, necessitating reforms that enhance worker rights and improve urban planning to better accommodate informal activities. The government should enact comprehensive labour laws protecting workers in the informal sector. Urban development policies must incorporate space for informal settlements and businesses to flourish legally.
Urban slums in Tanzania face significant legal challenges due to a lack of formal property rights and inadequate access to justice mechanisms. The analysis employs a combination of qualitative interviews with stakeholders from urban slum communities, document review of relevant policies and regulations, and thematic content analysis of recent court decisions related to property disputes in urban slums. Findings indicate that while some legal reforms have been implemented, there is still a significant gap in providing formal recognition of land rights for residents, particularly affecting women and youth who are more vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation. The analysis highlights the need for comprehensive policy frameworks that integrate gender-sensitive approaches and community-based initiatives to enhance access to justice for urban slum dwellers. Recommendations include strengthening legal aid services specifically targeted towards vulnerable groups, promoting community-led land registration programmes, and advocating for legislative changes that recognise informal settlements as legitimate property rights.
Methodological Terms: Quantitative Research
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Elderly Support Services Through Community Care Networks in South African Townships
South African townships face significant challenges in providing adequate support for elderly residents, highlighting a need for innovative community care solutions. The study employed longitudinal qualitative research methods to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of community care networks providing support to the elderly. A key finding was that the provision of regular social activities significantly improved mental health outcomes among participants, with a majority reporting increased engagement in community events over two years. Community care networks have a positive influence on the wellbeing of elderly residents, particularly through fostering social connections and reducing isolation. Policy makers should prioritise funding for sustainable community-based support services to enhance the quality of life for South African elderly living in townships. elderly support, community care networks, township dwellers, longitudinal impact, wellbeing
Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Senegalese Transitions
This study examines constitutionalism and the rule of law in Senegal's legal transitions, focusing on post-independence Senegalese jurisprudence. A comparative analysis will be conducted using secondary data from legal texts and scholarly articles to trace Senegal's progress towards constitutionalism and rule of law standards. Cross-country comparisons will also be made where available. Senegalese courts have shown a consistent trend in upholding the supremacy of the constitution, though implementation challenges persist, particularly in rural areas. This study reveals significant disparities in how Senegal has integrated constitutionalism and rule of law principles compared to other African nations. Specific legal reforms are noted as pivotal in this process. Future research should focus on the enforcement mechanisms for constitutional guarantees and their impact on socio-economic development in Senegal.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Educational Technology Integration in Early Childhood Development
Early childhood development in Niger City slums is characterized by limited access to educational resources, particularly digital ones. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative interviews with parents and teachers in slum communities, along with quantitative assessments of child literacy levels and parental digital literacy skills, was employed to gather comprehensive data. EdTech programmes led to a significant improvement (p<0.05) in children's basic reading comprehension scores by 20% compared to pre-intervention levels. The study concludes that integrating EdTech into early childhood education in slum settings can enhance learning outcomes and parental participation, thereby promoting inclusive development. Governments and educational institutions should invest in developing digital literacy programmes for parents and expand access to EdTech resources in slum communities. Early Childhood Development, Educational Technology Integration, Niger City Slums, Mixed Methods Study
Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms have long played a significant role in resolving conflicts within communities across Chad. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from various regions of Chad, participant observation, and document review. Data collection was conducted between January and June . The data revealed that traditional dispute resolution mechanisms are particularly effective in resolving disputes involving communal land rights among indigenous populations, where they operate effectively with a success rate of over 75% in achieving reconciliation. Traditional dispute resolution plays a crucial role in providing accessible and culturally sensitive justice to marginalized communities in Chad. This study underscores the need for integrating TDR into formal legal systems to improve access to justice. The integration of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms within the existing legal framework could significantly enhance accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of justice delivery in Chad.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Equality Policies in Ghanaian Schools
Gender equality policies in Ghanaian schools have been introduced to promote equitable educational opportunities for all students, particularly girls and marginalized communities. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews was employed. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of 200 primary and secondary schools in four regions of Ghana. The analysis revealed that enrollment rates for girls increased by 15% following the implementation of gender equality policies, while teacher training programmes showed no significant improvement in student performance metrics. While there is evidence of improved enrollment rates for girls, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of current gender equality initiatives in Ghanaian schools. Schools should prioritise continuous professional development for teachers and implement more robust monitoring systems to track progress towards gender parity goals.
Gender Disparities in Land Rights Documentation Among Rural Women Farmers in Benin City, Nigeria 2001
Gender disparities in land rights documentation are a critical issue affecting rural women farmers in Benin City, Nigeria. Despite legal protections, these women often face significant barriers to obtaining official land certificates. A survey research method was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 150 rural women farmers selected from various communities across Benin City. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that over 60% of the surveyed women reported facing challenges such as lack of documentation support, bureaucratic obstacles, and cultural barriers in obtaining land rights certificates. The most common theme was the need for improved legal awareness and community engagement initiatives. This study highlights significant gender disparities in accessing formal land rights documentation among rural women farmers in Benin City, necessitating targeted interventions to bridge these gaps. Recommendations include enhancing public education on land rights laws, strengthening government support for women's legal claims, and fostering community partnerships that can facilitate smoother access to land certification processes.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Disparities in Land Rights Documentation Among Rural Women Farmers in Benin City, Nigeria
In Benin City, Nigeria, women farmers face significant gender disparities in land rights documentation processes, hindering their economic empowerment and agricultural productivity. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with 50 women farmers and quantitative data from 20 local government areas' records of land transactions over the past five years. Policy documents were also reviewed for policy coherence and implementation effectiveness. Women farmers in Benin City reported facing barriers such as lack of documentation support services, legal gender biases, and procedural delays that prevent them from fully realising their property rights. Documentation processes are often inefficiently designed to cater to rural contexts. Current policies are insufficient in addressing the specific needs of rural women farmers, leading to persistent disparities in land rights documentation outcomes. Recommendations include enhancing policy support services for women farmers, streamlining documentation procedures, and incorporating gender-sensitive design elements into existing policies. Additionally, a targeted campaign should be launched to educate these communities about their legal rights and available resources.
Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Legal Frameworks
Sub-Saharan Africa's legal frameworks often reflect traditional gender dynamics, influencing property rights and inheritance laws. A qualitative review of Tanzanian legislation and case studies to identify gaps and disparities related to gender in legal provisions. Findings indicate that while several laws grant formal recognition to women's inheritance rights, practical implementation often fails to address customary practices which disadvantage women. Current legal frameworks in Tanzania provide a fragmented approach towards balancing traditional and modern gender roles, necessitating policy interventions to ensure equitable treatment of all genders. Policy recommendations include revising customary laws to align with formal statutes, enhancing judicial training on gender-sensitive jurisprudence, and implementing educational programmes for community leaders to promote legal awareness.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mobile Diagnostics in Urban Youth Centers
Mobile diagnostics apps are increasingly used in healthcare settings to improve access and efficiency for screening conditions like tuberculosis (TB). This study examines their application within urban youth centers in Nairobi, focusing on cost-effectiveness over a year. The study employed ethnographic research involving observations at five selected urban youth centers. Data collection included participant observation, interviews with staff and users, and document review of app usage logs. During the one-year study period, mobile apps were used for over 80% of TB screenings in youth centers, reducing time by approximately half and saving an average of $50 per user compared to traditional methods. Mobile TB screening apps proved highly cost-effective and improved operational efficiency in urban youth centers. These findings suggest a promising model for integrating mobile health diagnostics into broader healthcare systems. Health authorities should consider implementing these apps in under-resourced settings where traditional diagnostic tools are limited, provided they ensure privacy and user-friendly interfaces.