This Working Paper analyses the complex issues of land tenure in irrigation design and management in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper is sub-divided into seven sections comprising: 1. Land tenure in Africa; 2. Water rights; 3. Tenure and management in farmer initiated systems; 4. Tenure: issues arising during planning and implementation; 5. Tenure and management on settlement schemes; 6. Tenure and management on extension style schemes; and, 7. Areas where further research is needed.