Land Reform in Côte d'Ivoire and its Implication on Agribusiness Development: The Case of Oil Palm Plantations in South Comoé

Land reform policy constituted guidelines to ensure equitable distribution of land geared at promoting the development of a nation. The aim of this study was to investigate the adequacies of the land reform policy in Côte d'Ivoire in promoting agribusiness, both from content-based analysis and local perspectives, using oil palm plantation farming in South Comoé as a case study. Qualitative methods were employed, including individuals and focus group discussion. The findings from the content analysis revealed inadequacies in the policy on issues of land acquisition, tenureship and benefit sharing mechanisms. The above findings were corroborated by the views of various stakeholders. For example, local actors revealed the lack of secured tenure rights for rural community members operating under the customary system and their non-involvement in negotiations on land acquisition for plantation farming and the attendant benefits from such investments. Therefore, the adoption and implementation of policy that strengthen land tenure system, enhance land leasing practices and eliminate intermediaries in land acquisition process are recommended. The outcome of this study, therefore, contributed to the quest for a strong institutional and legislative basis for the establishment and growth of agribusiness.