Background of the Study:
Land reform policies have been central to enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria. In Benue State, often hailed as the nation’s food basket, reforms aimed at restructuring land tenure and improving resource access were initiated to empower smallholder farmers and boost agricultural output (Uche, 2023). These policies sought to address historical inequities in land distribution by reallocating land, modernizing farming practices, and investing in critical infrastructure such as irrigation and storage facilities (Okoro, 2024). The intent was to create a more equitable agricultural system that could sustainably increase production, thereby stimulating rural development and economic diversification. Despite these positive intentions, challenges such as bureaucratic delays, traditional land disputes, and inadequate financial support have hindered full policy implementation (Eze, 2025). This study examines the impact of land reform on agricultural productivity in Benue State, analyzing both its successes and shortcomings, and provides recommendations to optimize land management practices for improved agricultural performance.
Statement of the Problem:
Despite ambitious land reform policies, agricultural productivity in Benue State has not achieved expected improvements. Challenges including delayed policy implementation, persistent land disputes, and insufficient infrastructural support have diluted the potential benefits of the reforms (Uche, 2023). Smallholder farmers continue to face obstacles such as limited access to credit, modern inputs, and technical expertise, thereby reducing productivity gains (Okoro, 2024). Bureaucratic inefficiencies and resistance from traditional authorities further complicate reform efforts, creating a gap between policy intent and practical outcomes (Eze, 2025). This study aims to identify the key obstacles that hinder agricultural productivity and proposes strategies to enhance the effectiveness of land reform policies in Benue State.
Objectives of the Study:
• To assess the impact of land reform policies on agricultural productivity in Benue State.
• To identify challenges in implementing land reform initiatives.
• To propose strategies for optimizing land reform policies to boost agricultural output.
Research Questions:
• How have land reform policies affected agricultural productivity in Benue State?
• What are the main challenges in the implementation of these policies?
• What strategies can improve the impact of land reforms on agricultural performance?
Research Hypotheses:
• H1: Land reform policies have a significant positive effect on agricultural productivity.
• H2: Implementation challenges negatively influence the effectiveness of land reforms.
• H3: Enhanced infrastructural support improves the outcomes of land reform policies.
Significance of the Study:
This study is significant as it evaluates the transformative potential of land reform policies on agricultural productivity in Benue State. The findings provide critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders to optimize land management practices and bolster rural economic development (Uche, 2023; Okoro, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to the analysis of land reform policies and their effects on agricultural productivity in Benue State, focusing solely on policy impacts and associated challenges.
Definitions of Terms:
• Land Reform Policies: Government initiatives aimed at redistributing land to enhance agricultural productivity.
• Agricultural Productivity: The efficiency and output of agricultural production.
• Smallholder Farmers: Farmers managing small plots of land who often face resource constraints.
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