Analysis on the impact of land grabbing on peoples livelihood and their ability to practice Agriculture

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the land grabbing on people livelihood and their ability to practice agriculture. The methods used to carry out this study were the interviewer administered questionnaire and unstructured interview as well as observation. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through the use of interviewer questionnaire administration, interview guide, focus group discussions and observations. A total of 73 household heads were interviewed, the descriptive statistical tools Stata language software and excel software were employed to analyze the quantitative data whilst content analysis was applied to qualitative data with the result presented in the form of direct quotations. The study revealed that local food crop production declined after the land grabs. Equally, it was found that income annual levels of the local people after the land grabbing occurred. On the contrary, the local peoples access to the natural capital, especially the land for agricultural activities has been worsened. Finally, it was revealed that most of the residents in lusanja were farmers and had been greatly affected by land grabbing disputes. The study recommends that landlords and local leaders should negotiate with the members of the host community, engage in the cooperative societies and also provide the farmers with fertilizers and other skill so as the well-being of the people is improved. And finally, the people need to be compensated for the displaced property and their settlements. This would enable them to promote their livelihood sustainability.