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DRC’s land tenure innovation drives rural development goals

DRC’s land tenure innovation drives rural development goals

Land rights drive growth in rural DRC

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), inclusive land tenure solutions are making significant strides thanks to a strategic collaboration between the National Land Coalition (NLC) and the IFAD-funded PADRIR Programme. This partnership is focused on securing land rights for rural communities, fostering stronger livelihoods, and supporting the development of value chains.

The joint initiative, which is being rolled out in two phases, aims to address the pressing land tenure challenges rural populations face in DRC’s pilot sites.

Phase 1: Mapping & identifying challenges

The first phase, completed in March 2025, has already delivered crucial insights that lay the foundation for the next steps. The main activities included:

Mapping Land Use & Legal Occupation:

A comprehensive mapping exercise was conducted across key pilot sites in Maniema, Lomami, Kasaï Central, and Kasaï Oriental, identifying various types of land use and legal occupation.

Identifying Land Tenure Challenges:

Through community consultations, the project identified key tenure challenges, particularly those related to securing land rights for smallholder farmers and marginalized communities.

Proposing Practical Solutions:

With a focus on empowering local communities, the initiative proposed temporary safeguards and practical solutions to address immediate land security gaps while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Moving into phase 2

Building on the solid evidence gathered in Phase 1, the NLC and PADRIR are now ready to implement Phase 2, focusing on providing tailored land security solutions to enhance project impact. The goal is to strengthen the sustainability of rural development efforts, ensuring that communities can continue to thrive and build lasting resilience.

A call for shared knowledge

At the core of this initiative is a desire to inspire collective action and share knowledge across the network. We invite other members within the region to share their stories and reflections on land tenure processes. What challenges have you faced in securing land rights, and what lessons can be shared to inspire others working on similar issues? Your stories matter; sharing them contributes to a greater movement for secure land rights and sustainable development.

Join the conversation

Do you have a story or lesson to share? We encourage you to contribute your experiences to this meaningful conversation. Your insights can inspire change and create a ripple effect that strengthens land tenure systems across the globe. Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on this journey of innovation and collaboration.