Using the New Continuum of Land Rights Model to measure tenure security: A case study of Itaji-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Tenure security in developed countries is generally explicit while in developing countries it is generally implicit. To reduce poverty, empower the poor, and ensure economic growth, security of tenure is essential. The rural poor and vulnerable groups in Nigeria have tenure insecurity, yet the extent of this insecurity is unknown in many rural communities. This study used the New Continuum of Land Rights Model (NCLRM) developed by Whittal (2014) to measure the tenure security of the rural poor in Itaji-Ekiti. A single case study approach using qualitative method was adopted for the research design. Four land right types emerged from the study: informal occupation, formal occupation, customary, and registered leasehold. These land rights are interpreted using the triple vertical axes of legitimacy, legality and certainty. Despite strong legitimacy and legality, the results show that tenure insecurity exists in Itaji-Ekiti due to weak certainty. Bad land governance is the cause of this. The use of NCLRM in Itaji-Ekiti provides an understanding of the tenure situation. This model has the potential for use in the development of pro-poor land policy that could be used as an example in other developing countries.