Consequence of Land Conflicts to Small-Holder Farmers in Masindi District, Mid-Western Uganda

Abstract

land is an economic asset for development and a path to other resources. As an agrarian economy, the value of land in Uganda is high as wealth and survival are measured by access to, use of and control over land and it is a central element for the survival of small-holder farmers in Masindi district. Due to its appreciating value, conflicts over access to, use of and control over land has also increased. Small-holder farmers in Uganda with long-standing de facto land rights. This study assessed the consequence of land conflicts on small-holder farmers in Masindi district, mid-western Uganda using secondary data. From the analysis of the data, lack of land productivity, ethnic divisions, threats, assault, physical injuries, and murders, land eviction, individualization of customary land and corruption in land institutions mandated to handle the conflicts were found to be the major consequences of land conflict in Masindi district affecting access to, use of and control over land. Despite government interventions through land-related legislation aimed to protect the small-holder farmer, land conflicts still rage on and remain politically and culturally sensitive. It is proposed that a local-based policy be applied so as to address the plight of the small-holder farmers in Masindi district.