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The Limits of State-Led Land Reform: An Introduction

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  • Sikor, Thomas
  • Müller, Daniel

Abstract

Summary This essay introduces a collection of papers that examine the effects of contemporary land reforms in practice. This essay focuses on the roles of state and community in land reform. It argues that state-led strategies encounter significant problems on the ground due to their reliance on "top-down" initiatives and bureaucratic implementation. Empirical and conceptual insights suggest the benefits of a shift in emphasis from state to community in land reform. Emphasis on community calls for a state that is more reactive to political demands originating "from below" and more responsive to variation in local institutions and practices.

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  • Sikor, Thomas & Müller, Daniel, 2009. "The Limits of State-Led Land Reform: An Introduction," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 37(8), pages 1307-1316, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:37:y:2009:i:8:p:1307-1316
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