Where the dead are buried: property rights and poverty alleviation in Africa.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d10016387

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.