Agrarian change below the radar screen : rising farmland acquisitions by domestic investors in west Africa : results from a survey in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger
Document type: report
Download file(s):
442087 (639 KB)
Abstract:
In West Africa, domestic investors acquire plots of farm land using their connections, powers and resources. Some policy makers view these investments as a shift towards agribusiness and state that these “new actors” will modernise and professionalize farming and
smallholders are asked to make space. Who are those new actors, how did they obtain the land, under what conditions, and how are they investing? Why are customary authorities engaging in these land transactions and what are the consequences for local farming, rural
livelihoods and the environment? This paper presents results of a 2010 survey on the acquisition of rural land by agro-investors in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. We explore implications for agricultural “modernisation” and discuss local responses to regulate this phenomenon.
Authors:
Hilhorst, D.H.M.
,
Nelen, J.
,
Traoré, N.
Country:
Benin
,
Burkina Faso
,
Mali
,
Niger
Category:
General
Keywords:
agriculture
,
governance
,
law
,
private sector
,
property rights
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
SNV - Netherlands Development Organisation
PAGE:
29
Place:
Amsterdam [etc.]
Publisher:
KIT [etc.]
Year:
2011
Region:
Africa South of Sahara
,
West Africa
Right:
© 2011 KIT & SNV
Subject:
Environment and Natural Resources
Title:
Agrarian change below the radar screen : rising farmland acquisitions by domestic investors in west Africa : results from a survey in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger