How is land tenure best defined?

Land tenure is best defined as the legal rights to use and control land. This definition encompasses the various forms and arrangements through which individuals or groups can possess, manage, and benefit from land. Land tenure systems can include outright ownership, leases, and communal or customary rights, and they play a crucial role in agricultural productivity, investment decisions, and land use practices. Understanding land tenure is fundamental for farmers, policymakers, and researchers, as it affects access to resources, security of land use, and economic viability.

The focus on legal rights is important because it reflects the framework within which land ownership and use are recognized and enforced by law. Secure land tenure encourages long-term investment in agricultural practices, as farmers are more likely to improve the land if they have assured rights over it. This is essential for sustainable development in agriculture.

While other choices touch on aspects of land use, they do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of land tenure as a concept. It involves rights that go beyond mere occupation or informal arrangements, providing a structured understanding of how land is controlled and shared among individuals and groups.