Resource information
Security of land tenure and property rights has received much attention in recent years. While appetite for land reform initiatives is not new, investment is increasing steadily, as evidence emerges that secure tenure is key to achieving economic growth, food security and other development goals.
From the mid-1980s, growing populations have put pressure on land and other natural resources, which has resulted in increased poverty levels, land conflicts and concerns for global food security.
In the last decade, large-scale land acquisition has become more apparent, particularly in seemingly land-abundant regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. The reporting of land deals is becoming more frequent and is under greater scrutiny, watched by an international audience.
As a result, development actors are intensifying their support for land-related programmes around the world and the international community has increased efforts to promote responsible behaviour with regard to land tenure.
