The four forms of tenure
1. Statutory Tenure:
- Based on written laws or statutes.
- Governed by legal frameworks established by legislation.
- Provides clear legal rights and obligations.
- Examples include lease agreements and land ownership laws.
2. Customary Tenure:
- Rooted in the traditions and practices of a community.
- Does not rely on formal legal structures, but rather on communal norms.
- Often involves communal land use and rights passed through generations.
- Common in indigenous communities where land is owned collectively.
3. Informal Tenure:
- Not officially recognized by law or formal mechanisms.
- Can include squatting, informal settlements, or unregistered land use.
- Often lacks legal protection, making occupants vulnerable to eviction.
- Frequently arises in urban areas where formal housing is scarce.
4. Religious Tenure:
- Based on religious beliefs and practices regarding land use and ownership.
- Can involve land held by religious organizations or communities.
- Often includes specific rules about stewardship and use of land according to doctrine.
- Examples may include lands owned by churches or temples.
Each of these tenure forms has its own implications for land use, rights, and governance, reflecting the cultural, legal, and social contexts in which they operate.