This sub-section outlines the land tenure and kinship traits of the Wampup and Gabsongkeg villagers (Wampar group). As highlighted in Section 8.2.2, the Geaganson and Orognaron tribe own most of the land through patrilineal lineage. Lineages claimed areas where their ancestors settled when they came to the Lower Markham Valley. Later during the colonial era, the Australian Administration claimed some of these lands belonging to the Geaganson and Orognaron tribe for agricultural usage especially for cattle farming. Some of these lands were leased and later purchased by entrepreneurs mostly foreigners who farmed those land until prior to country’s independence in 1975 most of these lands were sold back to the State or to local indigenous farming
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Associates, friends and helpers who associated with the lineages (Geaganson and Orognaron families) were given temporary portion of land. This group of people have been temporarily allocated just less than two hectares of land per family for gardening, but are not allowed to grow cash crops like cocoa (until and unless permission sorted from legitimate owners) because these lands have been designated for future use by themselves or possible investors. The lineages are wary of the potentially costs, confrontations, conflicts, and time consuming claims for compensation that would arise if cash crops had to be removed. Settlers (both local and outsiders) are seen as caretakers unless and until the land occupied were rightfully purchased and is recognised by the landowners and the courts. For example a local folk expressed …show more content…
Nevertheless, the Wampup villagers were not keen in selling their land and do not have much land issues however planting of cash crops or extending their boundaries would seek permission from the principal landowner. Traditionally, sons received land from their fathers and daughters worked in their husbands' gardens. With the recent time with increasing interethnic marriages, this system has changed, where a daughter can bring her husband (outsider) to her father’s land. One of the issue raised by the people living in Gabsongkeg village is some of their relatives are selling prime land to non-Wampar or people from other provinces that creates tension with the locals due to different ethnic and cultural background. Some local folks
Associates, friends and helpers who associated with the lineages (Geaganson and Orognaron families) were given temporary portion of land. This group of people have been temporarily allocated just less than two hectares of land per family for gardening, but are not allowed to grow cash crops like cocoa (until and unless permission sorted from legitimate owners) because these lands have been designated for future use by themselves or possible investors. The lineages are wary of the potentially costs, confrontations, conflicts, and time consuming claims for compensation that would arise if cash crops had to be removed. Settlers (both local and outsiders) are seen as caretakers unless and until the land occupied were rightfully purchased and is recognised by the landowners and the courts. For example a local folk expressed …show more content…
Nevertheless, the Wampup villagers were not keen in selling their land and do not have much land issues however planting of cash crops or extending their boundaries would seek permission from the principal landowner. Traditionally, sons received land from their fathers and daughters worked in their husbands' gardens. With the recent time with increasing interethnic marriages, this system has changed, where a daughter can bring her husband (outsider) to her father’s land. One of the issue raised by the people living in Gabsongkeg village is some of their relatives are selling prime land to non-Wampar or people from other provinces that creates tension with the locals due to different ethnic and cultural background. Some local folks