Land grabbing is an unprecedented phenomenon affecting rural areas and their livelihood. Land grabbing and or rush has been observed to an aged long practice by the feudal lords, big investors and the elites in several areas and communities. The present study examined the impacts posed by the 1978 Land Use Act (LUA) on livelihood sustainability options of the rural dwellers. Data were gathered through the administration of 100 structured questionnaire copies to rural dwellers mainly chief council, youths and women of Ekong Anaku, Mbarakom in Akamkpa L.G.A and Ibogo community in Biase L.G.A. Similarly, 40 oral interviews were conducted across the sampled communities. Results obtained revealed that land grabbing was in existence in Cross River State and had had substantial influence on the livelihood of rural dwellers. This observation on land grab was necessitated by the 1978 land-use act which gave the state government the absolute right to own and administer resources without recourse to free prior information consent (FPIC). The act was observed to bring about land loss and food security issues in the area. Based on the result, it was recommended that grabbed lands should be reallocated back to the communities or a fresh memorandum of understanding re-entered between the companies, government and the impacted communities.
Keywords: 1978 Land Use Act, Cross River State, Land Grabbing, Rural Livelihood
