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2024 | Book

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal Against Poverty in Developing Nations

Perspective from Urban Land Titling Potentials

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About this book

This book investigates the role of land titling in delivering sustainable means of poverty alleviation in developing countries. Despite the huge amount spent on various anti-poverty programs annually, poverty remains a major problem. This persistent challenge necessitates a paradigm shift in which urban poverty could be alleviated in developing countries by leveraging the potential of land titling. Titling could provide the urban poor with the opportunity to use their property titles as collateral for loans, allowing individuals to invest in businesses, upgrade their homes, and lift themselves out of poverty. As a result, job creation and income generation may increase. Land titling is a simple, inexpensive, and effective means of supporting the urban poor, particularly those with small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) initiatives. Similarly, land titling is an antidote to the limited success of property taxation in developing countries, as it provides mapped and transaction-based records. This book will help stakeholders, policymakers, and policy implementers understand and utilize the capacity of titling as a veritable means of poverty alleviation and SME development in developing nations.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. General Introduction
Abstract
This chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the book by introducing the interconnected problems of fast urbanisation, poverty, and the absence of land titling in developing nations. It also emphasises the size of urban development and how traditional land tenures are still in use in the face of urbanisation. This chapter provides a concise overview of land titling, its importance in establishing the validity of property owners, and its ability to reduce poverty. Nigeria’s demographic patterns and typical urban problems make the country an appropriate example for study. This chapter provides an overview of the book and its goals, laying the groundwork for an in-depth examination of the relationship between land titling, SMEs, and poverty alleviation.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 2. Navigating the Dimensions of Poverty from Global Goals to Local Realities
Abstract
This chapter examines poverty beyond traditional views that focus on income. Examining worldwide programmes such as the SDGs and the MDGs, this chapter highlights the changing criteria and cooperative endeavours focused on reducing poverty. Land titling not only serves as a legal formality but also significantly impacts SMEs. The chapter examines poverty’s relative and absolute aspects, recognising that it can take different forms in different cultures. It looks at worldwide poverty standards and goals, following their development from the Millennium Development Goals to the present-day Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising inclusive policies and an understanding of poverty’s complexities. This chapter examines how Sub-Saharan Africa faces specific problems and how land titling has played a pivotal role in changing the story of poverty reduction in that area. In addition, the chapter delves into Amartya Sen’s capacity approach, which emphasises the freedoms and capacities of individuals as foundational to their well-being. It investigates the inclusion and exclusion criteria that define efforts to alleviate poverty. This chapter presents land titling as a powerful tool for promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity by integrating economic, social, and environmental factors. It argues for new ways to reduce poverty.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 3. Definition and Importance of Formal Land Titling
Abstract
This chapter examines the importance of formal land titling by comparing its origins to the customary tenure systems common in many developed nations. First, it looks at how land registration systems have changed, from the “Doomsday Book” and other ancient customs to more contemporary methods. It highlights how these changes have helped create property rights and promoted economic development. With a focus on safeguarding property rights, eliminating land disputes, and unlocking economic potential, the chapter defines land titling as the formalisation and documentation of land interests. This chapter explores various methods of land titling, ranging from random titling during applications to systematic titling. Case studies from nations like Honduras and Ghana offer useful insights as they assess the pros and cons of each method, taking into account aspects like cost, efficiency, and scalability. In addition, the chapter discusses the problems that land titling programmes encounter, such as ineffective bureaucracy, expensive fees, bribery, and a lack of political will. It proposes new titling systems to address these issues and explains why transparency, technology, and political will are crucial.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 4. Sub-Saharan Africa’s Customary Practices and Land Titling Policy Reforms
Abstract
Chapter 4 of the book considers the relationship between land titling policy reforms and traditional land tenure systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights the contrast between communal ownership under traditional practices and individual property rights established through land titling. The chapter discusses the challenges of implementing land titling in a region where most land transactions occur informally. It explores the experiences of different African countries, such as Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, in implementing land titling programmes. Understanding the complexities of customary and statutory land tenure systems, engaging with the community, implementing effective dispute resolution processes, and establishing functional land administration systems are all critical for successful land titling. The chapter also discusses how land titling can improve economic efficiency and sustainable development in urban and rural areas, based on an evolutionary theory of land rights. Overall, the chapter sheds light on Sub-Saharan Africa’s socioeconomic context and the transformative potential of land tenure reforms through land titling.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 5. Land Titling and Its Effects
Abstract
This chapter probes into the diverse impacts of land titling on loan availability, investment incentives, family wealth, social security, and economic development. Drawing on research from Tanzania, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Thailand, the chapter highlights the relationship between land titling and property values, emphasising its role in enabling landowners to leverage their property for loans and fostering financial inclusion. It also explores how land titling enhances access to financing for small and medium enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to increased capital investments, productivity, and economic growth. The chapter further discusses the positive effects of land titling on tenure security, attracting investments, and boosting agricultural output in countries like China, Ghana, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Thailand. Additionally, it underscores the contribution of land titling to poverty alleviation by facilitating access to loans, property investments, and savings, ultimately benefitting society and the economy. Overall, the chapter stresses the transformative potential of land titling in driving economic development, advocating for targeted policy interventions to maximise its benefits for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 6. Is Land Titling Beneficial for Active Poverty Reduction?
Abstract
The chapter deals with the multifaceted issue of whether land titling can alleviate poverty, focusing on the urban context of Sub-Saharan Africa. It discusses the potential benefits of land titling for small and medium-sized businesses in developing nations, citing policy implications and empirical evidence. The chapter acknowledges the successes and failures of land titling projects in various contexts and sets the stage for further research on its long-term impact on poverty reduction. It explores the theoretical foundations of land titling’s effects on poverty alleviation, considering practical challenges such as bureaucratic processes, risk perceptions, and access to financing. The chapter emphasizes the transformative potential of land titling for SMEs and the African economy, advocating for a paradigm shift in land titling approaches. It emphasises advocating for innovative and culturally sensitive policies to ensure land titling programs reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. The chapter concludes by analysing the complexities surrounding land titling as a tool for poverty alleviation in SSA and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, community-inclusive approaches for success.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 7. Overcoming Constraints and Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Through Land Titling
Abstract
This chapter examines the pros and cons of land titling in SSA, using Akure, Nigeria, as an example. Many problems, such as corruption, excessive expenses, and bureaucratic inefficiency hinder the effective implementation of land titling. Despite these obstacles, the chapter highlights the revolutionary potential of land titling, especially for SMEs in poor countries. Important topics covered include the importance of SMEs in driving economic growth and poverty reduction, as well as the bureaucratic, financial, and technical barriers to establishing land ownership. This chapter explains how titling land can help  SMEs access loans, encourage investment, and flourish. Through models and empirical evidence, this chapter demonstrates how land titling helps SMEs generate more money and fight poverty.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Chapter 8. Summary and Policy Implications
Abstract
The chapter discusses the relationship between land titling, poverty alleviation, and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It reviews empirical studies and scholarly literature to analyse the challenges and potentials of land titling programmes in reducing poverty. Various models, case studies, and methodological frameworks explore the impact of land titling on poverty reduction. It discusses policy reforms that streamline land titling processes, address bureaucratic inefficiencies, and tackle corruption in land administration while exploring the transformative potential of land titling for SMEs. Research from Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries emphasises the link between secure land ownership and SME expansion, advocating for targeted programmes to address poverty and foster economic growth. The chapter emphasizes the importance of studies considering geographic contexts and cultural and technological factors influencing land titling practices. Experts recommend conducting longitudinal studies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and making cross-national comparisons to evaluate the long-term impacts of land titling on sustainable economic systems. Stakeholder engagement, procedural reforms, and inclusive approaches to land titling projects are crucial in achieving shared prosperity and sustainable development in SSA.
Victor Olutope Ige, Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun, Colin Anthony Jones
Metadata
Title
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal Against Poverty in Developing Nations
Authors
Victor Olutope Ige
Solomon Pelumi Akinbogun
Colin Anthony Jones
Copyright Year
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-59587-5
Print ISBN
978-3-031-59586-8
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-59587-5