DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LAND
Definition: Land may be defined as the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust on which agricultural and non-agricultural activities are carried out. In other words, land can also be defined as the solid part of the earth’s surface which has as its components water, air, soil, rock, minerals, natural vegetation and animal life, and it is suitable for agricultural production.
Characteristics of land
- Land is a natural gift.
- Land can appreciate or depreciate in value.
- It is geographically immobile.
- It is abundant in some areas and scarce in other areas.
- It is heterogenous in quality, differing from one place to another in topography, soil texture, and structure, soil fertility, etc.
- Because of its limited supply, land is also subject to the law of diminishing returns.
- Reward for land is rent.
- Availability is subject to Land Use Act/ Law.
- Its suitability influences output.
- Its value is determined by its location.
- It can be used as collateral for loan.
LAND USE POLICY
Land use demands careful planning in order to ensure increased agricultural production. In order to use land most efficiently, there is the need to ensure a continuous land use policy which must not change as government changes. Current demands on land centres on agriculture, forestry, wild life conservation, industry, housing, recreation, transport, etc. However, it is agriculture, forestry and wild life that make the greatest demands for land.
