The Examination of Land Tenure and Income Security Among Oil Palm Land-Poor Migrant Farmers of West New Britain

Abstract

This thesis examines the “purchase” of customary land in two villages in Papua New Guinea. My research shows that there has been a steady increase in the formalisation and documentation of land access arrangements by migrants in the two study sites. Despite this trend, the maintenance of social relationships and socio-cultural obligations remain essential for maintaining tenure security. This research contributes towards customary land tenure arrangements and the customary land reform program in PNG.