A n analysis if Igbo traditional land tenure system in Amawbia (Amobia), Akwa South Local Government Area of Anambra State

Abstract

Land, a major factor of production has so many definitions and by different scholars. While an economists sees it as a factor of production, a Lawyer and an Estate surveyor sees it from the point of legal the maxim; Quic quid plantateur solo solo cedit. Land plays an important role in agricultural production. Such role is determined by various tenure practices in different localities. This paper analyses the tenure practices in traditional Amawbia (AMOBIA) community, Awka South L.G.A., Anambra State comprising six villages. Some elders and youths were interviewed from the six villages of the community. Also secondary data obtained from textbooks, journals and other published and unpublished materials were also useful in this work. This paper also identified the various reasons for demand of land in the traditional Amawbia society and the factors that conspire to determine various land tenure in the community. It concludes that the pattern of tenure system practised in Amawbia community was one carefully drawn or instituted to benefit all members of the community including women who also have access to land. Also that various land tenure practices identified such as public land tenure, communal land tenure and individual land tenure which were discussed generally, has been in existence even before their coinage and enactment of various tenure laws