1.1 Introduction
Land disputes refer to conflicts or disagreements over the ownership, use, or boundaries of land between individuals, communities, or organizations. These disputes often arise from competing claims to land, unclear land tenure systems, or overlapping rights. in the context of this study, land disputes involve conflicts within the Ogbe-Ijaw community over land ownership and usage rights (Udo, 2018). Land disputes are a significant issue in many regions, including the Ogbe-Ijaw community in Warri South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria. These disputes often arise from competing claims over land ownership and usage, driven by historical, cultural, and economic factors. In Ogbe-Ijaw, land disputes have escalated due to factors such as rapid population growth, resource scarcity, and the expanding influence of economic activities like oil exploration and agriculture.
This chapter will address the background information that motivated this study, the challenges that prompted it, its aim, and its objectives as a preface to subsequent sections of the study. Additional factors include the study's significance, scope, limitations, research questions, and the definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Land is the basis for every form of physical development and constitutes the primary medium for food production, for the provision of sheets and utilities, for the manufacture of goods and the establishment of institutions to support the basic needs of modern communities (Lanus ad Olufemi 2006). Ukaejiofor (2009) posited that land at the heart of social, political and economic life of the most African countries. He stressed further that, it is the key factor for economic growth and development of every nation and the foundation for shelter in the urban areas as well as the source of livelihood in the rural areas. Therefore, it is an indisputable source of employment and wealth (Idoma and Muhammed, 2014).
In recent times, the struggle for available land resource has often resulted to land disputes and conflicts. A land dispute is a disagreement over the possession/control of land between two or more terrestial entities or over the possession or control of land, usually between a new state and the occupying power (Afzalur, 2010).
Robert (2012) asserted that land disputes are often related to the possession of natural resources such as rivers, fertile farmland, mineral or oil resources although the disputes can also be driven by culture, religion and ethnic nationalism. Land disputes result often from vague and unclear language in a treaty that set up the original boundary.
According to Afzalur (2010) land disputes are a major cause of wars and terorism as states often try to assert their sovereignty over a territory through invasion, and non-state entities try to influence the actions of politicians through terrorism. International law does not support the use of force by one state to annex the territory of another state. Deininger and Castagnini (2004) observed that widows are mostly affected by land conflicts and are the worst hit of land disputes. Studies have shown that female-headed households and widows are particularly affected and that the enactment of the 1990 Land Use Act has failed to reduce the number of pending land conflicts. The government of Nigeria has suggested amending the above said Land Use Act in a bid to resolve the ever emerging land conflicts between the Land lords and the sitting tenants. This suggests that, especially in Africa, attention to land-related conflicts and exploration of ways to prevent and speedily resolve them would be an important area for policy as well as research. Land is a treasured resource for development in every respect and at all levels especially in the sub Saharan regions, and it has become a source of conflict (Afzalur, 2010).
Historically, land ownership in Ogbe-Ijaw was governed by customary laws and traditional practices, which often lacked formal documentation and legal clarity. As the demand for land increased due to population growth and economic activities, such as oil exploration and agriculture, disputes over land use and ownership became more pronounced (Akpabio & Edet, 2020). These disputes are further complicated by the lack of effective land tenure systems and inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms.
The socio-economic impact of these disputes is substantial. Agricultural productivity, which is crucial for the livelihoods of many residents, is often disrupted, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. The disputes also affect community cohesion, as tensions and divisions arise between conflicting parties. Additionally, prolonged legal battles and conflicts drain resources and impede development initiatives in the region. It is therefore; against this background that the researcher will investigate the effect of land dispute on the socio-economic activities in Ogbe-Ijaw community, Warri South-West L.G.A of Delta State.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that one of the significant problems resulting from these land disputes is the disruption of agricultural activities, which are a primary source of livelihood for many residents. Conflicts over land ownership and usage rights have made it difficult for farmers to access and utilize land effectively, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and food insecurity (Akpabio & Edet, 2020). Additionally, the ongoing disputes have created a climate of uncertainty, discouraging investment and hindering economic development in the area.
Additionally, land dispute is associated with the loss of lives and valuable properties. Land disputes often occur between individuals, groups and organizations. Land dispute in recent times have caused more damage and harm than good to the modern day society (Ukaejiofor, 2009). Land dispute often hinder the socio-economic activities of most urban and rural dwellers leading to economic hardship, poverty, health problems, food scarcity, low standard of living, among others (Fischer, 2012).
Furthermore, the social fabric of the Ogbe-Ijaw community has been strained by these disputes, as they often lead to divisions and tensions among community members. Prolonged legal battles over land ownership have drained financial resources, diverted attention from other developmental needs, and increased poverty levels. The inability of existing legal and customary systems to resolve these disputes amicably has perpetuated a cycle of conflict, negatively affecting the socio-economic stability of the community (Nwankwo & Edeh, 2018).
The continuous impact of these land disputes on the socio-economic activities in Ogbe-Ijaw calls for urgent attention and intervention. Without effective solutions, the community's economic prospects will remain bleak, and social cohesion will continue to deteriorate, leading to further impoverishment and instability.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of land dispute on the socio-economic activities. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify the key factors contributing to land disputes in the Ogbe-Ijaw community, including legal, cultural, and economic dimensions.
- To investigate the social implications of land disputes, particularly how they affect community cohesion and social relations in Ogbe-Ijaw.
- To assess the effects of land disputes on the economic activities and overall livelihood of the residents in Ogbe-Ijaw.
- To analyze the impact of land disputes on agricultural productivity and food security in the Ogbe-Ijaw community.
- To propose recommendations for effective conflict resolution and sustainable management of land resources in the Ogbe-Ijaw community.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- How do land disputes affect agricultural productivity and food security in the Ogbe-Ijaw community?
- What are the impacts of land disputes on the economic activities and livelihoods of residents in Ogbe-Ijaw?
- In what ways do land disputes influence social cohesion and relationships within the Ogbe-Ijaw community?
- What are the key factors contributing to land disputes in the Ogbe-Ijaw community?
- What strategies can be recommended for resolving land disputes and promoting sustainable land management in Ogbe-Ijaw?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Land disputes have a significant negative impact on agricultural productivity and food security in the Ogbe-Ijaw community.
- H1: Land disputes have a significant positive impact on agricultural productivity and food security in the Ogbe-Ijaw community.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Land disputes adversely do not affect the economic activities and livelihoods of residents in the Ogbe-Ijaw community.
- H1: Land disputes adversely affect the economic activities and livelihoods of residents in the Ogbe-Ijaw community.
1.7 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will provide policymakers with valuable data and analysis that will inform the development of more effective land management policies and conflict resolution mechanisms, aimed at reducing land disputes in the study area. Also, local government authorities will benefit from the study as it will offer practical insights into the socio-economic impacts of land disputes, enabling them to implement targeted interventions that will enhance community stability and development.
Additionally, community leaders and traditional rulers will find the study significant as it will highlight the importance of customary land tenure systems and how they will be integrated with formal legal frameworks to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Furthermore, the study will be beneficial to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups working in the Niger Delta region, as it will provide a solid evidence base for advocating for improved land rights and supporting community-led initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of land disputes.
Finally, academics and researchers will gain from the study as it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on land disputes and their socio-economic impacts, offering new perspectives and potential solutions that will be applied in similar contexts within Nigeria and beyond.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the effect of land dispute on the socio-economic activities in Ogbe-Ijaw community, Warri South-West L.G.A of Delta State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
The study on the effects of land disputes on the socio-economic activities in the Ogbe-Ijaw community, Warri South-West L.G.A of Delta State, faced several limitations that impacted its scope and depth.
- Insufficient data was a significant challenge, as comprehensive and up-to-date records on land disputes and their socio-economic impacts were not readily available. This limitation restricted the study's ability to provide a fully detailed analysis of the issue.
- Frequent power failures during the research period also disrupted data collection and analysis processes, causing delays and limiting the continuity of work. Furthermore, there was a delay in responses from key informants and community members, which affected the timely gathering of essential information and prolonged the research timeline.
- Financial constraints were another limitation, as the study was conducted on a limited budget, which restricted the ability to access more resources, travel extensively for data collection, or employ additional research assistance.
- Lastly, time constraints impacted the study, as the research was conducted within a specific timeframe that limited the ability to explore the issue in greater depth or expand the study to include more comprehensive fieldwork and analysis.
1.10 Study Area
Ogbe-Ijaw is an ancient community in the Niger Delta coast of Nigeria. Ogbe-Ijaw is well known to be one of the Ijaw communities in Nigeria. Ogbe-Ijaw community is the administrative headquarter of Warri-South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
1.10.1 Location and Size
Ogbe-Ijaw lies within latitude 50521N and 50451N of the equator and longitude 50751E and 50311E of the Greenwich meridian. From West to South, the area is wrapped by the Forcadoes on the west, Warri South L.G.A on the east, Burutu L.G.A on the South and Warri North L.G.A on the north. Ogbe-Ijaw has an estimated population of over 116,000 people (NPC, 2006). The location and size of the study area is such that favours oil exploitation activities and man has through his various human and anthropogenic activities (resources exploitation) destroyed the natural environment. This has given rise for various land disputes in the community.
1.11 Definition of Terms
Land Disputes:
Land disputes refer to conflicts or disagreements over the ownership, use, or boundaries of land between individuals, communities, or organizations. These disputes often arise from competing claims to land, unclear land tenure systems, or overlapping rights. in the context of this study, land disputes involve conflicts within the Ogbe-Ijaw community over land ownership and usage rights (Udo, 2018).
Socio-Economic Activities:
Socio-economic activities encompass all activities that contribute to the social and economic well-being of individuals or communities. These activities include agriculture, trading, fishing, and other forms of livelihood that directly affect the income and quality of life of community members. In Ogbe-Ijaw, socio-economic activities are deeply intertwined with land use and access (Akinola, 2017).
Community Cohesion:
Community cohesion refers to the strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community. It is often characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and collective action. In this study, community cohesion relates to how land disputes affect the unity and social fabric of the Ogbe-Ijaw community (Nwachukwu, 2019).
Land Tenure System:
A land tenure system is the legal or customary framework that governs land ownership, use, and management. It includes the rules, regulations, and rights associated with land and its distribution among individuals or groups. The land tenure system in the Ogbe-Ijaw community includes both customary and formal legal practices, which can sometimes be conflicting (Ekong, 2020).
Conflict Resolution Mechanisms:
Conflict resolution mechanisms refer to the processes and methods used to resolve disputes or conflicts in a peaceful and effective manner. These can include mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and legal adjudication. in the context of this study, conflict resolution mechanisms pertain to the strategies employed to address and resolve land disputes within the Ogbe-Ijaw community (Obi, 2018).
