Accès des femmes au foncier et le développement local : cas de la commune du 8 arrondissement de la ville de N’Djamena (Tchad)

Abstract

Women’s access to land in the eighth district of N’Djamena is a central issue for social justice and local development. Although Chadian legislation guarantees gender equality, women continue to experience barriers in acquiring and securing land. This study examines the social, economic and institutional factors that restrict women’s land access and explores how land ownership contributes to their participation in local development. The research uses a qualitative approach combining documentary review, direct observation and thirty-five interviews conducted with administrative authorities, traditional leaders and women living in the district. The analytical framework draws on theories of social justice and women’s empowerment inspired by the works of Étienne Le Roy, Bina Agarwal and Amartya Sen. Findings reveal a significant gap between legal provisions and actual practices. Women encounter difficulties linked to patriarchal norms, customary inheritance systems, limited financial capacity and administrative complexity. Despite these constraints, women employ adaptive strategies such as savings groups, family negotiations and customary attestations. These strategies reflect their agency but do not provide lasting land security. The study demonstrates that secured land access enhances women’s economic autonomy, residential stability and community participation, which in turn strengthen local development. The research recommends improving the recognition of women’s land rights, simplifying administrative procedures, expanding access to credit and encouraging collaboration between state authorities, traditional leaders and women’s organizations. Strengthening women’s access to land is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable local development in the eighth district of N’Djamena.