Africa's great land grab

Photo: AFP

BBC | 27 October 2010

Recent years have seen an increasing number of foreign governments leasing or buying vast tracts of land in Africa for their own use - some say with little or no benefit to Africa.

This practice is known as land grabbing.

A continent wide policy framework for land grabbing is expected to be discussed ahead of a meeting this week of African Union (AU) agriculture ministers in Malawi's capital Lilongwe.

One of those in attendance is Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, the AU's Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture.

(audio available here)

Tanzania is one country where the impact of this kind of land grabbing is obvious.

Experts say foreign agriculture investment in Tanzania is alarming.

While the Government remains at the forefront of promoting bio fuel investment in the country - there is no policy and legal framework governing investment decisions - and some citizens in the country are now demanding their land back.

(audio available here)

The aid agency Oxfam is deeply concerned about the issue and is releasing its own report in Malawi today.

So who are the worst culprits?

(audio available here)
  •   BBC
  • 27 October 2010
  • Sign the petition to stop Industria Chiquibul's violence against communities in Guatemala!
  • Who's involved?

    Whos Involved?


  • 13 May 2024 - Washington DC
    World Bank Land Conference 2024
  • Languages



    Special content



    Archives


    Latest posts