An Examination of the Divergences between the Traditional Land Holding System in Uga Anambra State and the Land Use Act of 1978

This study explored the differences between the customary landholding system in Uga, Anambra State, and the Land Use Act of 1978, which highlights the intricacies of land ownership and use in Nigeria. The customary system is marked by communal ownership under customary law, which prioritizes lineage, inheritance, and group decision, processes that have been honed over centuries. On the other hand, nationalization of land ownership according to the Land Use Act gives power to the state and imposes formalized processes that often conflict with local culture. The overarching objective of this research is to analyze the implications of such divergence for land tenure security, agricultural productivity, and community relations. A quantitative and qualitative research methodology was employed for empirical data collection from 200 participants, i.e., farmers, landowners, community leaders, and citizens, using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Results indicate huge differences regarding ownership rights, transfer process of land, and conflict resolution between both systems, creating general land tenure insecurity and socio-economic problems. The research concludes that although the Land Use Act was promulgated to establish land administration, it inadvertently works against customary practice, heightening tensions between the government and local communities. The research therefore advises legal reforms that acknowledge customary rights, create awareness of statutory law among members of a community, provide inclusive mechanisms for conflict resolution, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices that integrate traditional knowledge. These proposals seek to promote a more peaceful and equitable type of land tenure for sustainable development in Uga, Anambra State.