The Nexus between Land Tenure System & Household Livelihoods

A Review of Pre-colonial Period to Post Adjudication Period Among the Abatsotso Community of Kakamega County

Abstract

This article offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of land tenure systems, spanning from the pre-colonial period through the post-independence and adjudication eras. It delves into the intricacies of communal land tenure and sustainable resource management practices prevalent in the pre-colonial era, emphasizing their role in supporting household livelihoods. Transitioning into the colonial period, it examines the disruptive impact of economic dependency and social-cultural upheaval on household livelihoods. Moreover, it elucidates the ongoing challenges faced by communities, including land disputes, fragmentation, economic vulnerability, and the escalating threats of climate change and environmental degradation. The data was informed by Critical Social Conflict Theory which served as the study's compass, with Becker's new household economic theory serving as a complement. Additionally, since the initial study was qualitative in nature, it adopted historical research design. On top of that, convenience and snowball sampling was used to reach the respondents. In its findings, it established that, the fragmentation of communal lands and the introduction of cash crop cultivation exacerbated vulnerabilities, undermining traditional livelihoods and exacerbating poverty. It concludes that, from the communal land tenure systems of the pre-colonial era to the disruptions wrought by colonialism and the ongoing challenges of land disputes, fragmentation, economic vulnerability, and environmental degradation, it is evident that land tenure dynamics are deeply intertwined with broader socio-economic and environmental processes.