CHANGES AND CONTINUITY OF LAND TENURE SYSTEM IN AGULU-ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

There has been changes in various Igbo traditional practices and land tenure system is not an exception. In Agulu, there are persistence practices despite obvious alterations in land tenure system and these have not been studied. Agulu is among the communities in Anaocha Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. This study is poised to highlight land tenure system, the changes and as well persistent practices in land tenure system in Agulu. The theory of social change which explores how and why societies transform over time is used to analyse the changes in land tenure system in Agulu. The changes are as a result of factors like, increase in indigenous population, placing high monetary value on land, among others. It is a survey research and qualitative research method was employed. Data collection was by library collection, oral interviews and observations. Interviews were posed to randomly selected elders and youths who are knowledgeable in land matters. This was done to ascertain the changes and persistent practices in land tenure system in Agulu. Findings reveal that traditionally, Agulu community does not alienate lands to strangers but in the present dispensation, strangers can buy land in Agulu. The study also reveals that in the traditional practice, first sons were obliged to occupy their fathers’ compounds but currently some first sons establish settlements outside the fathers’ houses. It is believed that this study would benefit every member of the society especially subsequent anthropology scholars as it will serve as a reference point for them. The study recommends that Igbo communities should be mindful of the changes they accommodate while some sustainable traditional land practices should be retained.