By Godfrey Eliseus Massay*
A paper presented at CEFA ONLUS International Conference on Land, a common good. Natural resource management, agricultural policies and cooperation in the area of land grabbing. Bologna, 26-27 October 2012.
INTRODUCTION
Contemporary waves of large scale land acquisitions for commercial production in developing countries in Africa and other parts of the world have been branded as 'land grabs' by many scholars, media and activists. Some scholars have describe this phenomena as the "new scramble for Africa" (Moyo and Yeros, 2011). However, others have refuted such a description on the grounds that the current land deals are being negotiated by sovereign African states in the exercise of powers that they have under national laws (Odhiambo, 2011). The Land Equity Movement in Uganda defines a land grab as the accumulation of land holdings through illegal and or illegitimate means, or simply as deliberately and illegally taking away someone else's land rights (LEMU 2009:1).
This definition was qualified by Chambi and Baha (2011) as there are incidences whereby land acquisitions in light of the domestic policy frameworks and the legal system are sanctioned.
The most recent definition of a land grab was given by the Tirana declaration of the International Land Coalition, which says it involves acquisitions or concessions that are one of the following: (i) In violation of human rights, particularly the equal rights of women; (ii) not based on Free, Prior and Informed Consent of the affected land-users; (iii) not based on a thorough assessment, or are in disregard of social, economic and environmental impact, including the way they are gendered; (iv) not based on transparent contracts that specify clear and binding commitments about activities, employment and benefits sharing, and; (v) not based on effective democratic planning, independent oversight and meaningful participation (ILC,2012).
The increasing quest for land in developing countries falls under the scope of the definitions given above and has been driven by food and energy demands, among others. Global demand for food, energy, raw materials, timber and conservation has resulted in huge acquisitions of land (over 203 million hectors of land) in Africa and other parts of the world. Studies have shown that 78% of global land deals have been for agricultural production, of which three quarters are for biofuels (energy) production (ILC, 2012).
Tanzania, like many other countries in the Africa and other parts of the world has responded to the global rhythms and forces by allocating land for agricultural and energy production through both foreign and domestic direct investments and by reforming policies, legal and institutional frameworks to suit the changing dynamics of international trade and commerce. The Rufiji River Basin is one of the areas in Tanzania that has received many foreign and local investors in agriculture for food and energy production, for both local and external markets.
--Karibu Jukwaa la www.mwanabidii.com
Pata nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Blogu ya Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com
Kujiondoa Tuma Email kwenda
wanabidii+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com Utapata Email ya kudhibitisha ukishatuma
Disclaimer:
Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.
0 Comments