Socio-demographic Factors Influencing Land Ownership Documents’ Possession Among Male-Headed Farming Households in Nigeria

This study examines the socio-demographic factors influencing the possession of land ownership documents among male-headed farming households in Nigeria using secondary data sourced from 2018/2019 Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS), conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Nigeria. A sample size of 2062 male-headed households with required information was retained for analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and pearson chi-square correlation analytical techniques. Results show that the average age of the farmers was 49 years and were majorly married ruralite who had no formal education. Tittle deed was mostly held, many possesed the right to sell and to bequeath land and were not likely to lose ownership or right in the land. Pearson chi square results shows a significant influence of male-headed households farmers’ age on title deed (p<0.05), customary certificate of occupancy (C of O) (p<0.10), survey plan (p<0.01) and rental contract (p<0.05). Being educated influenced the possession of title deed (p<0.01), survey plan (p<0.01) and rental contract (p<0.05). Marital status influenced the possession of survey plan (p<0.01). Further, sector significantly influenced the possession of certificate of occupancy, title deed, and survey plan at p<0.01 and geopolitical zones were related to all forms of land documents at p<0.01. Therefore, socio-demographic features significantly influenced the kind of land documents held by male-headed farming households in Nigeria. Farming households are thus implored to strive towards obtaining a legal land document to safeguard and promote their level of production.