Rome – Land acquisitions are on the increase in Africa and other continents, raising the risk that poor people will be evicted or lose access to land, water, and other resources, according to a United Nations-commissioned study released Monday.
It warns that while such deals by both foreign and local investors can bring many opportunities, including employment, infrastructure and increases in agricultural productivity, they can also cause great harm if local people’s land rights are not protected.
The study was carried out by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) at the request of the two Rome- based UN agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The study, titled Land Grab or Development Opportunity? Agricultural Investments and International Land Deals in Africa, included new research from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
The study highlights a number of what it calls misperceptions about what have been termed “land grabs,” FAO said in a statement.
It found that land-based investment has been rising over the past five years. But while foreign investment dominates, domestic investors are also playing a big role in land acquisitions.
Private sector deals are more common than government-to-government ones, though governments are using a range of tools to indirectly support private deals.
Concerns about food and energy security are key drivers. But the FAO reported that factors like business opportunities and demand for agricultural commodities also play their part in influencing land purchases.
Contrary to widespread perceptions, there is very little “empty” land, as most remaining suitable land is already under use or claim, often by local people.
The report found that many countries do not have sufficient mechanisms to protect local rights and take account of local interests, livelihoods and welfare.
A lack of transparency and of checks and balances in contract negotiations can promote deals that do not maximise the public interest, FAO said citing the findings of the study.
The study calls for carefully assessing existing land uses and claims, securing land rights for rural communities, involving local people in negotiations, and proceeding with land acquisition only after free, prior and informed consent is given. (dpa)
