Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

The rationale for land registration has been that security of land tenure gives farmers incentive to improve their farms in rural areas. This is made possible by the provision of title deeds. Farmers with title deeds, it is argued by policymakers and some academics, are able to acquire credit which they invest in their farms. This is alleged to result in increased land productivity, income and employment. Thus, land registration has been instrumental in agricultural development in rural areas. The purpose of this study therefore is to investigate whether land registration in a small scale farming, semi-arid area, namely, Siakago and Gachoka Divisions in Embu District, has increased productivity» income and employment. It is argued in this study that there may be other important intervening variables which explain agricultural development in rural areas. In order to find out whether this is so, the effect of land registration will be measured in productivity, income and employment in the designated rural areas. Consequently, a functional model which relates relevant variables through given set of hypotheses has been developed. The stated hypotheses will be tested by using primary and secondary data. The primary and secondary data will be obtained from land registration records, stated government policy formulations and questionnaires. The outcome of this research project will hopefully shed light on the existing land registration programmes in Kenya particularly in the low potential, semi-arid areas. In addition to this, it would help in the reformulation of policies concerning land registration in particular, and alternative employment and income generating programmes in rural areas in general.