ABSTRAC T

This study used descriptive statistics, frequency tables, Herfindel index of diversification and multiple regression to analyze land tenancy and cropping systems in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. A random sampling technique was employed to select one hundred and fifty (150) arable crop farmers for the study. The result gave a diversification index of one (1) for specialization and 0.26 for perfect diversification. The study found fertilizer application, farming experience, farm size, length of land usage, tenure security and family labour to be affecting output at various levels of significance. Also, tenure security was significantly affected by tenancy status, regular payment of rent, position in the society, cropping system and marital status at the 1% level. The frequency distribution shows that sole cropping, intercropping and mixed cropping are the cropping systems practiced, although mixed cropping is the most prevalent. The study also revealed that leasing arrangement is the most common land tenure pattern practiced, with some degrees of land tenure by inheritance and purchase. Of the various leasing arrangements' practiced such as shaft cropping, labour tenancy, fixed cash rentals and reverse leasing; reverse leasing is the most practiced. Adequate measures should therefore be taken towards the implementation of already existing land use policies, while efforts should be made to amend the obsolete ones such as the land use act of 1978, which have not achieved the desired results. While it enabled the government as well as some corporations and influential individuals to acquire large area of land. It  has not facilitated access of small holder farmers to land, new policies enacted.