The effect of Informal Land Markets on land Tenure Security in Rural Communities in Uganda : a case of Kammengo Subcounty, Mpigi District.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of Informal Land Markets on Land Tenure Security in rural communities in Uganda a case of Kammengo Sub County, Mpigi District. Specific objectives were; i.​ to determine the nature and characteristics of informal land markets in Kammengo subcounty, Mpigi district. ii. to investigate the land tenure security in Kammengo subcounty, Mpigi district. The study adopted a case study and descriptive research designs with a sample size of 102 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview-guide and analyzed using SPSS. The correlation results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between informal land markets and land tenure security in Kamengo Sub county The correlation results indicated that land tenure security is significantly influenced by the presence of formal documentation, community recognition, and customary norms. Possessing formal land documents strongly correlates with the freedom to transact land (r = .456, p < .01) and confidence in land rights recognition by authorities (r = .589, p < .01), suggesting that legal proof enhances both legitimacy and security. At the same time, confidence in land rights is also linked to the influence of customary norms (r = .524, p < .01) and concerns about land tenure insecurity (r = .330, p < .01), showing the continued relevance of traditional systems. Interestingly, concerns about tenure insecurity as a barrier to economic development are negatively associated with reliance on customary norms (r = –.215, p < .05) and perceived secure land access (r = –.219, p < .05), indicating that personal security can mask broader risks. It was concluded that; there was a significant positive effect of informal land markets and land tenure security. The study recommends that should prioritize the decentralization and simplification of land registration services and consider subsidizing or waiving land registration fees for first-time landowners, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Furthermore, community members themselves must take greater initiative in protecting their land rights, Civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should conduct outreach programs that educate residents on the dangers of informal land transactions and guide them on how to formalize their ownership.