Author Kofi Kankam outlines a collaborative framework for integrating traditional leadership with sustainable agri-export markets
August 20, 2026 – The International Trade Council has announced the publication of a new book, The Customary Governance & Land Lens, authored by economic researcher Kofi Kankam. This 15-chapter publication explores how traditional leadership frameworks can be mobilized to secure, restore, and manage land for sustainable agricultural production aimed at global markets. By examining the intersection of customary authority and international trade, the book offers practical strategies for building credible, eco-certified supply chains.
The publication addresses a persistent challenge in international trade: the friction between Western trade frameworks and customary land ownership systems, particularly in West Africa. Traditional communal land structures are often misunderstood by global buyers and institutions, leading to investment risks and missed opportunities for local communities. Kankam’s work provides a blueprint for bridging this gap, demonstrating how traditional stewards can serve as key partners in establishing sustainable agri-export hubs.
Throughout the book, the author examines the legal interfaces between formal state law and customary practice, the role of social capital as trade collateral, and methods for resolving land disputes outside formal courtroom settings. The text also details how modern technologies, such as digital traceability tools, can responsibly map customary lands to meet the requirements of global eco-certification.
Additionally, the book addresses critical issues of inclusivity, focusing on gender equity within customary systems, and outlines guidelines for international partners seeking to design respectful supply chains. The final chapters discuss how this model, while rooted in West African contexts, can be scaled globally to foster a more inclusive and resilient international trading system.
“As global markets increasingly demand verifiable sustainability and ethical sourcing, understanding local land stewardship becomes essential for international trade partners. This book offers a thoughtful pathway for integrating traditional leadership into modern supply chains, helping to foster mutual trust and sustainable economic development,” said Ranjani Rangan, Chairperson of the International Trade Council.
The Customary Governance & Land Lens is written for international trade professionals, policymakers, agricultural exporters, impact investors, and development practitioners. It serves as an informative guide for those seeking to navigate complex land tenure systems, establish ethical sourcing channels, or implement sustainable agricultural initiatives in regions governed by traditional authorities.
BOOK DETAILS:
Title: The Customary Governance & Land Lens
Subtitle: Customary Land Governance and Sustainable Trade: Mobilizing Traditional Leadership for Eco-Certified Agri-Export Hubs
Author: Kofi Kankam
Published by: International Trade Council
Available at: https://itradecouncil.org/books/vs82gf84asx74m9wyhhr6ky60s8apnq0
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE COUNCIL:
The International Trade Council is a peak-body trade organization dedicated to supporting businesses engaged in international commerce. The Council provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for exporters and importers worldwide. Recently, the Council launched its world-first AI-native member platform at www.itradecouncil.org, revolutionizing how trade professionals connect and access resources. The Council also operates ADAMftd (www.adamftd.com), a comprehensive global trade data solution for exporters looking to sell to foreign markets or source from foreign suppliers. ADAMftd provides real-world customs data, shipping data, sanctions screening, tariff information, trade rules, regulatory data, and company intelligence – making it the essential tool for modern exporters.
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