Women Struggle for Land Ownership in Morocco with Just 6.9% Holding Rights
Deep Gender Disparities in Moroccan Land Ownership
A recent study by Morocco’s High Commission for Planning (HCP) reveals stark gender inequalities in land ownership, with only 6.9% of women holding property rights to agricultural land compared to 36.8% of men. This significant gap highlights systemic barriers preventing women from accessing land, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices dominate.
Cultural and Legal Barriers to Women’s Land Rights
The study, titled “Gender Inequalities in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals in Morocco,” identifies customary land tenure systems and patriarchal social structures as major obstacles. Women face challenges in securing legal ownership due to:
- Bureaucratic complexities in land registration
- Gender-biased inheritance norms favoring male heirs
- Limited awareness of legal rights among women
Economic Factors Perpetuating Inequality
Economic disparities further widen the gender gap in land ownership. While wealthier women fare slightly better, ownership remains male-dominated:
- 53.9% of affluent men own agricultural land
- Only 13% of wealthy women hold similar assets
Women also face exclusion from agricultural credit systems due to strict lending criteria and lack of institutional support, limiting their ability to purchase or develop land.
Government Reforms and Ongoing Challenges
The Moroccan government has introduced legal reforms, particularly regarding collective land regulations, but implementation faces resistance at local levels due to persistent socio-cultural attitudes.
The Economic Case for Gender Equality in Land Ownership
The HCP study emphasizes that equitable land ownership for women could:
- Boost agricultural productivity
- Enhance rural stability
- Reduce poverty rates
Recommendations include stronger legal protections, simplified administrative processes, expanded legal aid, and gender-sensitive financial mechanisms to support women farmers.
Source: Hespress English