Towards Disability Inclusive Land Rights – NFP World Food Day 2024

On October 16, as part of our ongoing Power of Disability Inclusion series, the Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development (DCDD) together with ZOA, VNG International and Into Inclusion hosted a hybrid session on Disability Inclusive Land Rights on behalf of the We Are Able! consortium during the Netherlands Food Partnership World Food Day 2024 in de Rijtuigenloods in Amersfoort. Online participation was also possible through a livestream of the session. During the session, participants discussed systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in society, specifically regarding land rights and food security.

The intersection of Disability Rights and Food Security: a call for Inclusive Land Access

Recently, the importance of integrating disability rights into broader discussions about food security and land access has gained renewed attention. With over a billion people worldwide living with disabilities, it is crucial to recognise the systemic barriers that hinder their access to essential resources. The speakers shed light on these pressing issues, emphasising the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to tackle them.

Key takeaways highlighted in the session were:

1. The interconnectedness of Land Rights and Food Security: Land rights and food security are deeply intertwined, necessitating a dual focus on both areas for comprehensive progress.
2. Barriers faced by persons with disabilities: Significant challenges remain for people with disabilities concerning land access, education and productive resources, contributing to their systemic exclusion from economic opportunities.
3. Role of local governments: Local governments are pivotal in promoting and implementing disability-inclusive policies and practices, as they enforce local laws and can facilitate resource access.
4. Community engagement and awareness: Engaging the community, primarily through organizations representing persons with disabilities, is vital for fostering an inclusive atmosphere that respects the rights and dignities of all citizens.

Understanding the connection

During the session, participants engaged in a “land rights game” that encouraged reflection on the real-life challenges individuals with disabilities encounter in accessing education, marriage and land inheritance for example. The game provided a stark, visible “reminder of the disadvantaged positionality of persons with disabilities and the exacerbated intersection of gender.”

Land rights and food security are deeply intertwined. When individuals, especially those with disabilities, lack secure access to land, their capacity to cultivate food and sustain livelihoods is jeopardised. Thus, any efforts to achieve global food security goals must use an intersectional approach, addressing the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing land.

Real-life impact and identifying the barriers

Speakers Inge Vos, Sector Specialist Food Security and Livelihood at ZOA and Michelle van Raalte -Senior Project Manager East-and Southern Africa at VNG International shared testimonials, highlighting the pervasive marginalisation faced by individuals with disabilities regarding land access and food security, but also demonstrating the profound impact of inclusive policies on the lives of those affected.

The session also highlighted various barriers that contribute to the marginalisation of individuals with disabilities:

• Legal gaps and awareness: Many legal frameworks fail to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities regarding land access. Additionally, a lack of awareness about existing laws often leaves these individuals unaware of their rights.
• Cultural perceptions: In many cultures, prevailing stigmas surrounding disability lead to exclusion from critical resources, including land inheritance. These perceptions not only marginalise individuals but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and dependency.
• Access to education and information: Without proper education and information channels, individuals with disabilities often remain uninformed about their rights to land and resources. This lack of information further entrenches their exclusion from economic opportunities.

The role of local governments

Local governments have a pivotal role in promoting and implementing inclusive policies that ensure access to land for individuals with disabilities. Local authorities can bridge gaps and create more inclusive communities by enforcing local laws and facilitating resource access. The session emphasised the need for local governments to develop and promote inclusion agendas that are actively communicated and implemented at the community level.

Importance of community engagement

Engagement from the community is essential for fostering an inclusive atmosphere that respects the rights of all citizens. Organisations representing people with disabilities can mobilise community support and awareness. Collaborative efforts, particularly between these organisations and other community stakeholders, including women’s groups, are vital for creating a united front in advocacy initiatives.

Conclusion and next steps

The discussions from this Disability Inclusive Land Rights session reaffirmed that advocating for disability rights is fundamental to achieving food security and equitable land access. As we move forward, individuals and organisations must deepen their engagement with local authorities to promote inclusive land rights practices. Fostering relationships between local governments, community organisations and individuals with disabilities can lead to a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we can work towards dismantling barriers and building a future where land access and food security are rights enjoyed by all, regardless of ability.

Miss the session?

You can watch the session online:

Goodie Bag

DCDD shared a digital goodie bag with relevant resources at the end of the session. Watch our website for more updates on the next Power of Disability Inclusion series session.