Improving Land Tenure Security Through Customary Boundary Demarcation- A Case Study

Authors

  • Michael Affam University of Mines and Technology

Keywords:

Land Tenure Security, Customary Boundary Demarcation (CBD), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Customary Land Secretariat (CLS).

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, one of the barriers to development and wealth creation in the peri urban and rural areas is land tenure insecurity. This is mainly due to a number of factors including the absence of clear unambiguous boundaries between allodial owners and absence of credible documentation of land rights. This has resulted also in conflicts that have raged on for decades, sometimes leading to injury, property destruction and loss of lives. The benefits of an improved tenure security are enhanced agricultural productivity, wealth creation for rural dwellers, peace and stability. Boundary demarcation and documentation are important steps in the process of reformation and improving land tenure security in rural areas. This study seeks to establish and document over 190 km of the boundary of Juaben paramouncy in a manner that ensures peace, harmony and tenure security. Disputes were resolved through less costly Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and Customary Land Secretariat (CLS) that catalogued and maintained up to date register on the land. Information retrieval was simplified and transaction cost cheaper.

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Published

2017-06-30

Issue

Section

Geomatics Eng. Articles