(De facto) historical ethnic borders and land tenure in Sub-Saharan Africa

We study the role of proximity to historical ethnic borders in determining individual land ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following an instrumental variable strategy, we document that individuals have a lower likelihood of owning land near historical ethnic borders. In particular, the likelihood of owning land decreases by 15 percentage points, i.e., about 1 / 3 of the mean rate of landownership, for rural migrants who move from 57 km (90th percentile) to 2 km (10th percentile) from the border. This result aligns with the view that competition for land is stronger and property rights are weaker close to historical ethnic borders in Sub-Saharan Africa. • What is the role of proximity to historical ethnic borders in determining individual land ownership in Sub-Saharan Africa? • People are less likely to own land near historical ethnic borders • This effect is particularly present for migrants in rural areas. • This suggests stronger land competition and weaker property rights near historical ethnic borders in Sub-Saharan Africa.