Is Land Titling Beneficial for Active Poverty Reduction?

The chapter deals with the multifaceted issue of whether land titling can alleviate poverty, focusing on the urban context of Sub-Saharan Africa. It discusses the potential benefits of land titling for small and medium-sized businesses in developing nations, citing policy implications and empirical evidence. The chapter acknowledges the successes and failures of land titling projects in various contexts and sets the stage for further research on its long-term impact on poverty reduction. It explores the theoretical foundations of land titling’s effects on poverty alleviation, considering practical challenges such as bureaucratic processes, risk perceptions, and access to financing. The chapter emphasizes the transformative potential of land titling for SMEs and the African economy, advocating for a paradigm shift in land titling approaches. It emphasises advocating for innovative and culturally sensitive policies to ensure land titling programs reduce poverty and promote sustainable development. The chapter concludes by analysing the complexities surrounding land titling as a tool for poverty alleviation in SSA and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, community-inclusive approaches for success.