Advisor(s)
Ballard C. Campbell
Contributor(s)
Gregory H. Wassall, Leonard G. Buckle
Date of Award
2008
Date Accepted
7-2008
Degree Grantor
Northeastern University
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department or Academic Unit
College of Arts and Sciences. Law, Policy, and Society Program.
Keywords
Developmental economics, land policy, third world
Subject Categories
Land tenure--Nigeria, Right of property--Nigeria, Rural poor--Nigeria, Debt relief--Nigeria
Disciplines
Law and Economics
Abstract
This study examines a recent policy proposal that as a way out of poverty, third world countries should reform their present land policy to incorporate a cadastral system. The proponents of this policy reform have argued that the poorest nations of the world require formalization of property rights (specifically giving title to land to the poor) as a catalyst for economic development. These proponents argue further, that the establishment of such formal titling systems would result in more secure ownership of land. Such individualized property rights would enable the poor obtain credit from financial institutions through the use of the title as collateral for a loan. For the most part, proponents of this policy recommendation have not considered in-depth, cultural or institutional factors that may affect the implementation of this policy. The literature indicates that while neoclassical economists have argued that cultural values play no role in economic development, some social scientists on the other hand see cultural values as powerful indications of a nation's economic and social progress. This study explores certain features that may affect the ownership and disposition of land rights in Africa. In particular, the study examines how land is acquired and the administrative process of obtaining title to such land. Since the main purpose of requiring formalized title is to enable the poor obtain credit from banks, the study also examines some ways by which credit is currently obtained despite a lack of widespread titling. Nigeria is used in most instances as illustrative of the points and arguments raised.
Document Type
Dissertation
Rights Information
Copyright 2008
Rights Holder
Rose N. Egbuiwe
Permanent URL
Recommended Citation
Egbuiwe, Rose N., "Where the dead are buried: property rights and poverty alleviation in Africa" (2008). Law, Policy, and Society Dissertations. Paper 14. http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d10016387
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