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Spatial Planning and Gender Equity: Implications of Customary Land Tenure for Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development in Abia State, Nigeria


Authors : Chidinma Jane Nwobi; Ejimofor Ochi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ycx2h87c

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26Oct288

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This study examines the implications of customary land tenure for gender equity and inclusive spatial development in Abia State, Nigeria, with particular attention to women's access to land, inheritance, tenure security and livelihoods. Although the empirical investigation was undertaken in rural communities, the findings have direct planning implications for the rural–urban continuum because customary land practices shape the availability, security and transfer of land on which future settlement growth, housing, productive activities and infrastructure development depend. The study adopted a case-study design and a mixed-method approach. A multistage sampling procedure covered the three senatorial zones of Abia State.

Keywords : Spatial Planning; Gender Equity; Customary Land Tenure; Women’s Livelihoods; Land Governance; Inclusive Development; Sustainable Urban Development; Abia State; SDG 5; SDG 11.

References :

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This study examines the implications of customary land tenure for gender equity and inclusive spatial development in Abia State, Nigeria, with particular attention to women's access to land, inheritance, tenure security and livelihoods. Although the empirical investigation was undertaken in rural communities, the findings have direct planning implications for the rural–urban continuum because customary land practices shape the availability, security and transfer of land on which future settlement growth, housing, productive activities and infrastructure development depend. The study adopted a case-study design and a mixed-method approach. A multistage sampling procedure covered the three senatorial zones of Abia State.

Keywords : Spatial Planning; Gender Equity; Customary Land Tenure; Women’s Livelihoods; Land Governance; Inclusive Development; Sustainable Urban Development; Abia State; SDG 5; SDG 11.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - October - 2026

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