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Context and background:Land is a source of wealth in terms of the economic and socio-cultural value it represents. Land resources are the basis of any economic activity or development project, which is why they are at the centre of multiple covetousness. However, social exclusion leads to numerous land conflicts observed in Cameroon.Goal and objectives:This study therefore aims to show how social exclusion can cause and sustain land disputes in Cameroon. The study is based on both a qualitative and quantitative approach.Methodology:The methodology adopted consisted of a documentary research that allowed us to consult various documentary resources dealing with the issue of social exclusion and land conflicts in libraries and on the Internet. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with administrative and judicial authorities and officials from the Ministry of Lands, Cadastre and Land Affairs in order to collect information on the frequency and nature of land disputes registered and settled in their respective departments. This data was complemented by participant observations and questionnaire surveys in selected localities experiencing land disputes to understand the basis, identify the different parties involved and assess their magnitude. The documentary data collected was synthesised and analysed and the empirical data was processed to produce figures useful for illustrating the phenomenon under study.Results:The results obtained showed that the populations face various forms of social exclusion that sustain recurrent land disputes in Cameroon. These concern gender inequalities between men and women, social class rivalries between rich and poor or young and old, as well as the hostility of indigenous populations to non-indigenous people. They are reinforced by the land tenure system, which pits customary law against modern law and regularly creates social tensions over access to and control of land. Given the fact that land insecurity and land disputes in Cameroon are largely due to this social exclusion, it is therefore necessary for the harmonious and sustainable development of the country to set up an inclusive land policy that integrates all social components, in order to guarantee equal rights of access to land for all, to abolish land conflicts and to preserve social peace. Keywords: Social exclusion, land disputes, land rights, access to land, Cameroon
