ABSTRACT

Before colonialism arrived in Africa, the concept of individual land ownership and registration was unfamiliar. Today, despite many individuals claiming ownership of land, very few possess clear titles or have pursued any form of registration. The majority of landowners often rely on sale agreements or Deeds of Conveyance as evidence of ownership. This study primarily aims to evaluate the land registration process in Cameroon. Specifically, it will critically analyze the legal and institutional framework governing land registration in Cameroon. It will also scrutinize the procedure for obtaining a land certificate in Cameroon and assess the challenges inherent in land registration. Additionally, the study will investigate the effectiveness of measures implemented to address these challenges. To achieve these objectives, the researcher has opted for a quantitative research method, primarily involving content analysis of data.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

Land has always been a source of economic and political power, historically triggering ethnic conflicts and tensions between natives and colonial powers during the colonial era. Land registration, offering a secure title, distinguishes itself from unregistered property. A land certificate represents a guarantee of ownership. This chapter introduces the historical evolution of land registration in Cameroon, setting the stage for the research. It articulates the research problem and objectives, outlines the methodology, reviews relevant literature, justifies the study’s significance, and defines key terms. The chapter concludes with an overview of the subsequent chapters.

1.1 Background of the Study

Cameroon’s history of land tenure can be divided into three key periods: pre-colonial, colonial (under German, British, and French rule), and post-colonial. Prior to colonialism, individual land ownership and registration were foreign concepts in Africa. Land was typically regarded as communal, sacred, and not subject to individual ownership. The Germans, during their colonial rule, aimed to expropriate native land for plantation agriculture and introduced the concept of “herrenloss lands” to legitimize land seizure. Under British rule, land in Southern Cameroon was governed by Nigerian land laws. The British imposed indirect rule through chiefs and limited indigenous land control. The French used a unified approach and adopted a system of land concession and “terre vaccante,” causing unrest among locals. Post-independence, land tenure policies were harmonized, but land registration remains complex and relatively unfamiliar to many, contributing to land disputes.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Land is a valuable asset, yet many individuals lack clear titles or registrations for their properties. Often, landowners rely on sale agreements or deeds, which do not conclusively establish ownership. The absence of a clear, final title is a significant contributor to land disputes in Cameroon. Additionally, the land registration process remains complex, leading to a low registration rate, further exacerbating the issue.

1.3 Research Questions

The study aims to address both a primary research question and specific sub-questions:

1.3.1 Main Research Question

• What is the land registration procedure in Cameroon?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

• Are there legal and institutional frameworks governing land registration in Cameroon?
• What challenges are associated with land registration in Cameroon?
• What measures have been implemented to address these challenges?
• What recommendations can be made to improve land registration in Cameroon?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The study has general and specific objectives:

1.4.1 General Objective

• To assess the land registration procedure in Cameroon.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

• To critically evaluate the legal and institutional framework of land registration in Cameroon.
• To examine the process of obtaining a land certificate in Cameroon.
• To assess the challenges related to land registration in Cameroon.
• To explore the effectiveness of measures in place to tackle these challenges.
• To provide policy recommendations for land registration issues in Cameroon.

1.5 Research Methodology

The research will employ a qualitative methodology, particularly the doctrinal approach. This approach will involve content analysis of primary and secondary sources, including national legislations, case law, legal texts, textbooks, articles, journals, and online resources. A qualitative approach is suitable for legal research and analyzing legal texts.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significance for landowners and prospective land purchasers, educating them on the land registration process and the benefits of obtaining a land certificate. The research offers insights that can contribute to government policy development and guide future amendments of land regulations in Cameroon.