The Future of Smallholder Farming in Eastern Africa - Uganda ...

do not have security of tenure, mainly due to land inheritance laws that discriminate
against them (FAO 2003a; FAO 2003b; Ravensburg 1999).
Given the long-term nature of investment in environmental conservation, farmers will
likely invest only if the present value of benefits from the investment is higher or equal to
the present value of the costs incurred. This is also influenced by the farmer’s perception
of the probability that he or she will maintain the rights to use the land for the whole
duration of the investment (Carter et al 1994; DFID et al 2002; Vosti and Reardon 1997).
The higher the perceived probability and benefits, the higher the chances of investing in
environmental conservation. However, other important determinants will be the farmer’s
discounting factor and overall cost of the investment.
There are three major systems of land tenure in Kenya: individual, communal state land
tenure. Individual land tenure refers to individual freehold ownership of land. This system
was promoted since 1954 following recommendations of the Swynnerton Plan for the
Modernization of African Agriculture, which recommended the tenure conversion from
communal systems through adjudication, registration and titling of land. The title confers
security of tenure by registering the absolute rights of ownership to the holders after
adjudication. It encourages investment on land, facilitates access to credit, create a land
market, minimizes land disputes, and facilitates intensification of agricultural production,
thus increasing land productivity (Swynnerton, 1954). The Plan was also aimed at
consolidating fragmented land holdings and aid land redistribution (Zinyama, 1999).
Communal land ownership refers to land owned jointly by a group of people, or a
community. In this case, land usage is determined jointly or by customary laws and norms.
No individual can sell any part of the land or use it as security for accessing financial
loans. Land is, thus, considered a public good with possibilities of ‘free riding’ particularly
when it comes to investment in land conservation.
The state land tenure refers to public land set aside for agricultural and non-agricultural
use. Most of such land is occupied by forests, water catchments and any other publicinterest
activities, such as game reserves, historical sites, etc. In Kenya, the government
has set land aside for agricultural research as well. Being public goods, there is always a
risk of losing these areas to individuals in disregard to their importance in flora and fauna
conservation. Massive environmental degradation due to illegal encroachment is common.
This study postulates that there is a well-established relationship between land tenure
security and the land conservation investments, and improvement and proper management
of land and other natural resources. Farmers with secure rights to land have the incentive
to make necessary land improvements and take measures to conserve soils and maintain
the fertility of the land, all of which positively influence sustainable agricultural
productivity.
1.4 Objectives and Hypothesis of the Study
The overall study objective is to establish the relationship between land tenure security,
agricultural productivity and the environment. The specific objectives of the study are to
establish the relationship between security of tenure and agricultural productivity; identify
links between security of tenure and investment in environmental conservation and soil
fertility enhancement and maintenance; and establish linkage between tenure security and
environmental degradation.