Land disputes in Sierra Leone have long been a source of tension, but the issues have intensified in recent years due to weak land tenure systems, rapid urbanization, and governance failures. These conflicts undermine livelihoods, stall development, and breed social unrest.

Grafton, a peri-urban community 32 kilometers east of Freetown, has become a focal point for these challenges. Its proximity to the capital and its role as a migration corridor have attracted land speculators, leading to widespread land grabbing and fraudulent practices.

Traditional land management systems have struggled to keep pace with the community’s rapid development, creating confusion and conflict over land ownership and use.

Women in Grafton face particularly dire challenges when it comes to land rights. Social and cultural norms, compounded by legal frameworks favoring male property ownership, limit women’s access to land.

Widows and single mothers are often targeted by land grabbers who exploit their vulnerable social and economic status. Many women lack the legal knowledge or resources to defend their land claims, leaving them at the mercy of exploitative practices.

Land administration in Grafton is plagued by weak governance and overlapping authorities. Many residents lack formal land titles, leading to disputes and making them easy targets for fraudulent land sales and evictions.

While traditional leaders play a significant role in land allocation, their influence often conflicts with formal legal systems, resulting in inconsistencies and further fueling disputes.

Cultural norms in Sierra Leone heavily favor men when it comes to land inheritance and ownership. Women, particularly widows and daughters, are often left without inheritance rights under customary laws.

Even when women contribute to acquiring or cultivating land, they are frequently excluded from ownership. Those who challenge these norms face societal exclusion, verbal abuse, and, in some cases, violence.

Economic marginalization compounds the problem for women in Grafton. Many lack formal employment or access to credit, making it nearly impossible to purchase or improve land.

Rising land costs in peri-urban areas have further placed property ownership out of reach. These economic vulnerabilities make women more susceptible to land grabbing and other forms of exploitation.

Access to justice is another significant hurdle. High legal fees and the physical distance to courts or legal aid offices deter many women from pursuing their cases. Even when women manage to access the legal system, they often encounter bias and discrimination, leading to unjust outcomes.

Women who stand up for their land rights frequently face threats, intimidation, and violence. These attacks can take many forms, from verbal abuse to physical assaults and the destruction of property. Such acts create a culture of fear, discouraging many women from asserting their claims and perpetuating the cycle of injustice.

In response to escalating land disputes, the Sierra Leonean government established the Complaints Committee on Land Disputes in the Western Area, which includes Grafton.

The committee aimed to investigate land disputes and strengthen land tenure mechanisms. However, its impact was limited due to insufficient funding, personnel, and infrastructure. Delays and backlogs also hindered its effectiveness, leaving many issues unresolved.

The situation in Grafton highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to land governance in Sierra Leone. Strengthening land tenure security through formal documentation of customary systems is crucial. Legal reforms and awareness campaigns are needed to ensure women’s equal rights to land ownership and inheritance.

Accessible and affordable legal aid services are vital, along with training legal professionals on gender-sensitive approaches to land disputes. Empowering women economically through skills training and access to credit can help reduce their vulnerability.

Increasing women’s participation in land management and decision-making processes is essential for creating a more equitable system.

The struggles faced by women in Grafton underscore the broader structural issues in Sierra Leone’s land governance system. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, civil society, and international development partners to build a more inclusive and just framework for land ownership and management.