Background of the Study
Land reform policies are critical for ensuring secure and equitable access to land, which is a fundamental resource for agricultural productivity. In Nigeria, the complexity of land tenure—characterized by a mix of customary, statutory, and informal practices—has long hindered large-scale agricultural investment and sustainable production. Between 2023 and 2025, the government has implemented a series of land reform initiatives aimed at formalizing land rights, reducing fragmentation, and improving land-use efficiency (Okafor, 2023). The theoretical framework underlying these reforms is based on the concept that secure land tenure encourages investment in land improvements and modern farming practices, ultimately boosting productivity. Empirical studies in other developing countries have demonstrated that clear land ownership and efficient land markets correlate with higher agricultural output and improved rural incomes (Afolabi, 2024).
Despite these initiatives, the implementation of land reforms in Nigeria has been inconsistent, and many farmers continue to face uncertainties regarding land rights. Issues such as overlapping claims, bureaucratic delays, and resistance from traditional authorities have limited the effectiveness of these reforms. This study examines the impact of land reform policies on agricultural productivity, analyzing how changes in land tenure security and land market efficiency affect farmers’ investment decisions and yield outcomes. The study also explores the socio-economic and institutional challenges that hinder reform success and proposes policy recommendations to create a more conducive environment for agricultural growth.
Statement of the Problem
Although land reform policies are intended to enhance agricultural productivity by securing land rights and encouraging investment, their implementation in Nigeria has been fraught with challenges. Many farmers continue to operate under insecure and fragmented land tenure systems, which discourage long-term investments in soil improvement and modern farming techniques (Ibrahim, 2024). The lack of a unified legal framework and bureaucratic inefficiencies further complicate the reform process, leading to disputes and underutilization of land resources. Consequently, agricultural productivity remains below potential, and rural poverty persists. This study seeks to identify the key impediments to effective land reform and to evaluate their impact on agricultural output, with the goal of recommending strategies that can streamline land administration and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study examines land reform policies in Nigeria from 2023 to 2025 using land records, farmer surveys, and legal analyses. Limitations include regional variations in land practices and complexities in measuring tenure security.
Definitions of Terms
– Land Reform Policies: Government initiatives aimed at restructuring land ownership and administration.
– Agricultural Productivity: The efficiency and output of agricultural production per unit area.
– Land Tenure Security: The assurance that land rights are legally recognized and protected.
– Fragmentation: The division of land into small, inefficient parcels.
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