Volume 8, Number 1

Land Ownership Rights and Access to Farmlands by Farmers and Herders in the Kwahu East Districtin the Eastern Region of Ghana

  Authors

Ignatius Joseph Obeng, Edward Asiedu Ofori, Isaac Eshun, University of Education, Ghana

  Abstract

Land is seen in societies as a vital natural asset, and the worth of this resource to human through time and space cannot be underestimated.The purpose of this research was to examine land ownership rights and access to farmlands by farmers and herders in the Kwahu East District (KED) in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Qualitatively, the study adopted a descriptive case study research design. This research was based on two objectives: to examine land ownership rights in the Kwahu East District,and determine how farmers and herders get access to farmlands. The study population involved residents of three communities in the Kwahu East District, namely, Yaw Tenkorang, Kwaku Sarfo and Bebua. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 4 traditional leaders, 10 farmers, 10 herdsmen and cattle owners, 3 Assembly members, the District Chief Executive, the District Commander of Police, and the District Land Officer. The study concluded that, land ownership rights in KED were based on the allodia and usufruct systems, which vest land ownership rights in the hands of traditional authorities and family heads. Again, the study showed that, indigenous farmers lay claim to greater rights over the lands compared to herders who are considered as aliens, without any land ownerswhip rights. The study revealed measures initiated to find lasting solution to this conflict. It is recommended that; the Municipal Assembly must concentrate more effort in establishiing adequate fodder banks for cattle. Again, the practice of ranching must be encouraged amongst cattle owners and herders to prevent unwanted competition over land use.

  Keywords

Conflict, Farmers, Farmland, Ghana,Herdsmen, Land,Land Ownership, Rights.