Informal Land Delivery System and Access to Land for Urban Agriculture in Ilorin, Nigeria

Informal Land Delivery System and Access to Lanf for Urban Agriculture

Abstract

Most studies on land delivery systems have focused on the role of informal mechanisms in facilitating residential land access, while their influence on agricultural land delivery has received limited attention. This study examines the role of informal land agents in supporting urban agriculture in Ilorin, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 73 randomly selected informal land agents and 303 urban farmers across the three Local Government Areas of Ilorin. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including the Respondents’ Agreement Index (RAI) and Pearson correlation analysis. Results revealed that most informal agents were male, aged between 20 and 39 years. Land was mainly acquired through direct contact with owners (72.6%), and location was the primary factor determining price (78.2%). Informal agents serve as key intermediaries in supplying land for urban agriculture, bridging gaps in the formal land administration system. A strong positive correlation was found between the existence of informal land delivery systems and access to agricultural land. The study recommends formal recognition of these agents and regular training on urban land use priorities.