Community land conflicts and pro-poor urban land access in Enugu, Nigeria: Church involvement for social inclusion

Abstract

Pro-poor land access for physical development is hindered by communal land conflicts in most developing countries like Nigeria, thereby inducing homelessness. As the capital city of the then Eastern Region of Nigeria, Enugu has witnessed communal land conflicts and associated challenges in urban expansion, infrastructure development and land-use planning. This study examines the dynamics of communal land conflicts, land access challenges and their socio-economic implications in Enugu, Nigeria. It highlights the role of the Church in promoting social inclusion and advocating for pro-poor initiatives. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining primary data from 40 respondents through structured interviews and observations, alongside secondary data from government reports, academic literature and church records. The study revealed systemic inefficiencies in land administration, driven by dual frameworks combining formal laws and informal practices. Key issues included the exploitation of compulsory acquisition laws, the marginalisation of vulnerable groups and the proliferation of informal settlements. The Church emerged as a significant actor, contributing to peacebuilding and community development through its socio-economic initiatives, advocacy for justice and grassroots engagement. The study concludes that integrating the Church into land governance frameworks presents a unique opportunity to resolve communal land conflicts, address systemic exclusions and promote sustainable urban development.

Contribution: The study, among others, recommends harmonising formal and informal land systems, empowering marginalised groups, upgrading informal settlements and leveraging the Church’s moral authority and resources to foster equitable land access and social inclusion.