The commodification of land:the impact of large investments on livelihoods and social stability in low income countries

Land is an essential resource for all people basing own livelihoods on agriculture and related activities, and becomes critical for those trying to escape from a poverty condition. Land is also a major source of social identity and sense of belonging. The denial of accessing land – due for example to land-use changes, relocation of productive activities and forced displacement – might exacerbate the condition of vulnerability of the poor and feed clashing grievances, which can eventually escalate into violent conflicts. Within this framework, the relevance of large-scale land acquisitions, especially in the aftermath of the last food price crisis, brought to world attention concerns about land governance, and more particularly on the effects of an increasing commodification of land. Empirical evidence about the impacts of such land deals calls for an urgent reflection on how these investments are managed and to what extent local communities are involved and respected in their needs, social identities and human dignity, towards the final aim of achieving our common good.