UNDERSTANDING VARIED EFFECTS OF LAND REFORM WITH TWA

While many Burundians struggle to access sufficient land, the situation may be considered the most vulnerable for Twa.

While many Burundians struggle to access sufficient land, the situation may be considered the most vulnerable for Twa. The 2010 Land Policy Letter contains specific considerations for landless people, which the Twa are considered part of this group. A number of factors have increased their marginalization in respect to accessing and holding land, including a long history of social marginalisation, servitude as abagererwa and more recent transition from a nomadic lifestyle.

Customary law and gender dynamics concerning land also vary significantly amongst Twa compared to other groups in Burundian society. This policy brief seeks to bring further attention to the experience of Twa in light of the 5th axis of the 2010 Land Policy Letter. Specifically, this study suggests strengthening land tenure rights for Twa as part of an integrated development policy.