The Role of Traditional Leaders in Land Access and Farming Development

Farmers Magazine | 19.01.2026 19:12
Traditional leaders play a vital role in shaping land access and supporting farming development in rural communities. In many areas, they act as custodians of communal land, overseeing allocation and use while ensuring customary laws and practices are respected. Their involvement is critical for small-scale and emerging farmers who rely on secure land access to grow crops, raise livestock, and develop sustainable enterprises. Understanding the influence of traditional leaders helps explain how land governance affects agricultural productivity and rural development.