Sabou: In a significant development for rural land access, six women's cooperatives in the commune of Sabou have successfully secured 26 hectares and 59 ares of agricultural land. This achievement was facilitated through the issuance of Rural Land Possession Certificates (APFR) on Tuesday, March 3. The official handover ceremony was held at the town hall's reception hall and was presided over by Abdoul Aziz Koara, the prefect and president of the special delegation (PDS) of Sabou, with the presence of administrative, customary, and landowner authorities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, these APFRs were obtained as part of the Project for Securing Collective Land Rights for Women (PDFCOF), which has been implemented since 2024 by the TENFOREST platform with financial support from The Tenure Facility. The land covers cooperatives in the villages of Tanghin Wobdo, Nabadogo, Nariou, Sarana, Namanegma, and Gounghin, collectively involving 523 members and benefiting 3,138 people indirectly.

Alain Traore, President of TENFOREST, emphasized the significance of formal recognition of women's land rights as a crucial step toward their economic empowerment. He noted that these certificates provide more than just administrative validation; they ensure the stability of agricultural investments and mitigate the potential for conflict.

The prefect and PDS of Sabou praised the initiative for its role in enhancing social cohesion and strengthening local land governance. This development is particularly vital in a region where land disputes are a frequent cause of tension.

Pascaline Yameogo, the communal coordinator of women, highlighted the importance of these APFRs, describing them as "a real assurance for the future". She noted that the certificates enable women to better plan their agricultural activities and improve access to financing.

Furthermore, the project led to the establishment of a gender-sensitive local land charter, benefiting 61,826 individuals, 56.85% of whom are women. The approach, which emphasized consultation and the free, prior, and informed consent of landowners, has been instrumental in garnering community support and preventing conflicts.

Implemented in six communes across Burkina Faso-Banfora, Cassou, Garango, P´, Toussiana, and Sabou-the PDFCOF project represents a progressive reform in rural land governance. The success in Sabou, securing 26 hectares of land, highlights a growing acknowledgment of women's economic contributions to agricultural and local development.