An exploratory approach to land inequality: Insights from household surveys

Raphael Kweyu (), S. Kehinde Medase () and Resty Naiga ()
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Raphael Kweyu: Department of Geography, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
S. Kehinde Medase: Institute of Innovation and Rural Economics, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Braunschweig, Germany
Resty Naiga: Department of Development Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

No 2026-001, Jena Economics Research Papers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena

Abstract: To promote social justice and support inclusive development in East Africa, addressing land inequality is essential. Kenya and Uganda illustrate the complex factors driving land inequality in sub­Saharan Africa. During colonial times, extensive fertile lands were often alienated from local communities and given to colonial authorities, resulting in persistent land disparities. This study assesses land inequality in both countries using household surveys, the Gini, and Theil approaches. For background, we examine colonial history, land tenure regimes, and theories of structural inequality. Our findings show Uganda has higher inequality than Kenya, with regional differences greatly influencing these patterns. Kenya's inequality is lower, with some intergroup differences, such as those linked to gender, residence, religion, and marital status, having a limited impact. In Uganda, a small elite group controls the majority of the land, as indicated by Lorenz curves and spatial maps. The results highlight the need for country­specific policies: Kenya should adopt community approaches, while Uganda should utilise regional strategies. These initiatives require a collaborative effort from stakeholders, including governments, agencies, and civil society, to support inclusive initiatives. This analysis guides efforts to improve land equality and governance, promoting fairness and development in Eastern Africa.

Keywords: Agricultural land; Lorenz curve; land inequality; Kenya; Uganda; land governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I3 J15 Q15 Q23 R2 Y10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-01-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev
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