The Central Sahel faces significant housing, land, and property (HLP) issues, with 40% of protection incidents tied to property rights violations. The region’s forcibly displaced persons exhibit shelter needs significantly greater than those of host communities. HLP challenges exacerbate existing tensions and necessitate effective land management and collaboration between humanitarian and development sectors for sustainable solutions.
In 2024, a notable 40% of monthly protection incidents reported by communities in the Central Sahel were related to property rights violations. Simultaneously, 40% of respondents identified housing, land, and property (HLP) concerns as drivers of intercommunity tensions. Conflicts over HLP manifest as extortion, theft, and property destruction, significantly jeopardizing the safety and stability of civilians, often leading to forced displacement.
Research indicates that forcibly displaced individuals have shelter needs that are double those of host communities. Simultaneously, 50% of both displaced and local populations cite construction or rehabilitation as their primary housing requirement. This highlights the systemic nature of HLP challenges within the Central Sahel region.
The influx of displaced individuals places additional strain on services, resources, and employment opportunities in semi-urban arrival areas, exacerbating existing HLP challenges. This situation increases tenure insecurity and risks of eviction in areas where land access is governed by conflicting customary and legal frameworks. Efficient land management is vital for providing effective assistance.
To implement programs such as shelter installations or agricultural initiatives, secure and sustainable land access is indispensable. Despite these obstacles, data reveals that 65% of land access still predominantly relies on donations. Additionally, HLP factors positively influence the willingness of displaced individuals to return to or integrate into local communities, underscoring the need for effective HLP management strategies.
The interplay of land rights, emergency requirements, infrastructure deficits, and coordinated land administration is crucial to peacebuilding efforts. Addressing HLP issues necessitates improved collaboration between humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding practitioners to foster sustainable solutions in the region.
In summary, HLP issues in the Central Sahel are a critical factor in the ongoing challenges faced by forcibly displaced persons and host communities. Addressing property rights violations and enhancing secure access to land is essential for effective humanitarian response and sustainable community integration. Collaboration among various sectors is necessary to tackle these intertwined challenges and to support peacebuilding efforts. In 2024, the intersection of HLP issues and community needs highlights the urgent requirement for comprehensive solutions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
