Testing Claims about Large Land Deals in Africa: Findings from a Multi-Country Study

Cotula, Lorenzo; Oya, Carlos; Codjoe, Emmanuel Ashiedu; Eid, Abdurehman; Kakraba-Ampeh, Mark; Keeley, James; Lokaley Kidewa, Admasu; Makwarimba, Melissa; Michago Seide, Wondwosen; Ole Nasha, William; Owusu Asare, Richard; Rizzo, Matteo

Abstract

Despite much research on large land deals for plantation agriculture in Africa, reliable data remain elusive, partly because of limited access to information and practical and methodological challenges. International debates are still shaped by misperceptions about how much land is being acquired, where, by whom, how and with what consequences. This article aims empirically to test some common perceptions through an analysis of findings from research conducted in three African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, and Tanzania. The article presents new evidence on the scale, geography, drivers and features of land deals, relates findings to data from earlier research and international efforts to monitor land deals, and outlines possible ways forward for ongoing monitoring of the deals.

Citation

Cotula, L., Oya, C., Codjoe, E. A., Eid, A., Kakraba-Ampeh, M., Keeley, J., Lokaley Kidewa, A., Makwarimba, M., Michago Seide, W., Ole Nasha, W., Owusu Asare, R., & Rizzo, M. (2014). Testing Claims about Large Land Deals in Africa: Findings from a Multi-Country Study. The Journal of Development Studies, 50(7), 903-925. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2014.901501

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jul 8, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Print ISSN: 0022-0388
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-9140
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 50
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 903-925
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2014.901501
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00220388.2014.901501#.U1kRrPldV8E