Towards a Balanced Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Review of Transformative Land Investment Environments in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Mozambique
Ermias Aynekulu, Endalkachew Wolde-Meskel, Emily Jeanne Gallagher, Tamiru Amanu, Delia Catacutan, George Christoffel Schoneveld, Eunice Matey Offei, Divine Appiah, Nana Ama Yirrah, Osvaldo Matessane, Anne Larson
Development strategies in most sub-Saharan African countries include the proper use of agricultural land as well as forestry resources, while leveraging the engagement of foreign and domestic investors on large-scale commercial farms, plantations, and floricultures, among others. In this regard, policy frameworks have been developed particularly to attract foreign and domestic investors in these arenas. While it is generally believed that land-based investments contribute to economic development by connecting capital, technology, knowledge, and market access, there is growing concern over how such initiatives impact the well-being of marginalized groups, such as smallholder farmers, rural women, and youth, as well as the environment. In some cases, issues of land tenure security increase grievances from smallholder farmers against large-scale commercial farm expansions. On the other hand, the presence or absence of favorable conditions for investments in the agri-food sector impact the sustainability of agri-food systems. At the same time, fostering the transparency of the process of land acquisition means involving local communities at all stages of the decision-making process.
Event: World Bank Land Conference 2024 - Washington
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