Securing Land Rights for Young People and Their Role in a Win-Win Partnership Model for Agricultural Development: Issues and Perspectives for Northern Cameroon

The article examines the issue of land access for young people in northern Cameroon, a region where agriculture plays a central role both economically and socially. However, obtaining land is challenging due to complex land tenure systems influenced by customary practices, colonial legacies, and modern legal frameworks. These systems often create ambiguities in land ownership, with overlapping claims between traditional authorities, families, and the state. Additionally, increasing pressure from foreign investors attracted to fertile lands further exacerbates the difficulties faced by young people seeking land for farming. This context highlights the urgent need to address these systemic barriers to ensure equitable land access. The study aims to analyze the marginalization of youth in this context and to propose an innovative partnership model between young landowners and foreign investors that is mutually beneficial. The methodology employs a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods: a literature review, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (young farmers, investors, experts), and a quantitative analysis of the impact of partnerships on agricultural production. The findings reveal that young people are often excluded from land access due to patriarchal customs and traditional land tenure systems that favor elders. However, securing their land rights is essential for their economic and social empowerment. The proposed partnership model, based on land leasing or co-management, could provide significant economic benefits to young people, including improved access to technology and expertise, creation of local employment opportunities, and infrastructure development. Nevertheless, this model also presents potential risks and challenges. For instance, power imbalances between foreign investors and local youth could lead to inequitable agreements, while long-term leases might threaten traditional land users. To mitigate these risks, it will be crucial to establish clear legal frameworks that protect local interests, ensure transparent negotiations, and promote capacity-building for young people to effectively engage in such partnerships. Moreover, fostering community oversight and participation can help prevent exploitation and ensure an equitable distribution of benefits. Furthermore, this model has the potential to boost local agricultural production, diversify crops, improve food security, and reduce dependence on imports. The article also emphasizes the importance of transparent governance, community participation, conflict resolution mechanisms, and youth training to ensure the success and sustainability of these partnerships. Managing competition between local crops and those introduced by investors, while respecting the social and cultural dimensions of land access, remains a critical challenge.