Land Law Reforms and Tenure Security in Rwanda: An Action Research Study

Rwanda has undergone significant land law reforms aimed at enhancing tenure security for its diverse population, including customary and formal land rights holders. An action research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews among diverse community members and government officials. Findings indicate that while there has been a noticeable shift towards formal land tenure recognition, challenges persist in equitable distribution and legal protection of customary rights. The reforms have improved clarity around property ownership but face ongoing issues related to enforcement and inclusivity across different social groups. To enhance the effectiveness of future reforms, a more inclusive stakeholder engagement process should be implemented to address specific community needs.