Land tenure dynamics among smallholder maize farmers: A typological analysis revealing the multifactorial nature of gender inequalities

Abstract

Abstract

Smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa are highly exposed to land insecurity, which limits their capacity to invest in agriculture. Understanding the factors shaping land tenure dynamics among these farmers is essential for designing inclusive and sustainable land policies. This study analyzed the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing land tenure among smallholder maize farmers in northwestern Benin. Factorial Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to data collected from 338 farmers randomly selected. The results identified three distinct land tenure profiles: (1) predominantly female farmers relying on rental, characterized by informal and insecure tenure; (2) predominantly male farmers accessing land mainly through inheritance and benefiting from relatively secure and formal tenure; and (3) a more inclusive profile with equitable land access, greater participation of women in decision-making, and weaker customary constraints. Higher agricultural experience significantly (P = 0.02, ANOVA) enhanced tenure security whereas limited financial resources (52.52%; p < 0.05), restrictive customary norms, and non-inclusive land reforms (97.01%; p < 0.05) drove tenure inequalities. These findings reveal persistent structural gender inequalities in land access and highlight the need for locally adapted governance mechanisms that promote equitable land tenure and strengthen sustainable smallholder farming systems.

Keywords : Land tenure security; Smallholder farmers; Maize; Typology; Northwestern Benin