Farmland Consolidation in Northern Nigeria: A Scoping Review of Evidence

Abstract

Objective: Land fragmentation is a persistent barrier to agricultural development in Northern Nigeria. This scoping review addresses a critical gap in the literature by mapping existing empirical evidence and identifying research voids regarding farmland consolidation. The study followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-step framework: identifying research questions, establishing search criteria, selecting studies, charting data, and summarising results.

Method: Six databases (Scopus, Taylor & Francis, ProQuest, SSRN, Semantic Scholar, and Google Scholar) were searched. Following eligibility screening, relevant data from qualifying journal articles were charted and synthesised to identify key themes and gaps.

Results: Four articles met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that consolidation in Northern Nigeria is driven by social factors, including inheritance laws, communal land norms, and poverty. Key motivations for consolidation include mitigating fragmentation to bolster food security and rural development. While consolidation facilitates mechanisation and increases farm viability for smallholders, significant research gaps remain regarding farmers' perceptions, institutional barriers, and context-specific outcomes. Specifically, studies lack a comprehensive analysis of the nexus between social, economic, and institutional factors influencing program acceptance.

Conclusion: Future research must generate empirical evidence on the drivers and outcomes of consolidation—both within and beyond Northern Nigeria—to inform policy and achieve sustainable agricultural goals.