The study investigates the effects of land tenure system changes (LTS) on agricultural practices (AP) in rural and urban settings in the Western Highlands of Cameroon (WHC), as no comparative studies had been conducted on this topic in the WHC. This study challenges the urban-rural dichotomy in land governance, demonstrating how it influences agricultural practices. Primary data were collected from 520 respondents in rural and urban settings using a mixed-methods approach, including a semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and observations. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse data. Results revealed that, except for increased inter-ethnic conflicts (mean scores of 1.72 in urban and 1.62 in rural, p > 0.05) and resolving land disputes (mean scores of 1.77 in urban and 1.67 in rural, p = 0.011), the mean scores for all tested effects of LTS changes were higher in rural settings. A comparative analysis showed an increase in land prices in rural and urban settings (mean scores of 3.86/4 in rural and 3.61/4 in urban, respectively; p = 0.009). Regression analysis revealed that respondents' religious affiliation had a significant impact on LTS changes in urban settings (B = 0.726, p < 0.05). In contrast, in rural settings, respondents' educational levels were the most significant determinant (B = 0.528, p = 000). This implies that differences in LTS and APs in rural and urban settings suggest a strong influence of institutions in shaping such relationships. Further research is necessary to make stronger conclusions.