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Grabbing or investment? On judging large-scale land acquisitions

Author

Listed:
  • Stefan Mann

    (Agroscope)

  • Elisabeth Bürgi Bonanomi

    (University of Berne)

Abstract

Although analyses of large-scale land acquisitions (LSLA) often contain an explicit or implicit normative judgment about such projects, they rarely deduce such judgment from a nuanced balancing of pros and cons. This paper uses assessments about a well-researched LSLA in Sierra Leone to show that a utilitarian approach tends to lead to the conclusion that positive effects prevail, whereas deontological approaches lead to an emphasis on negative aspects. LSLA are probably the most radical land-use change in the history of humankind. This process of radical transformation poses a challenge for balanced evaluations. Thus, we line out a framework that focuses on the options of local residents but sets boundaries of acceptability through the core contents of human rights. In addition, systemic implications of a project need to be regarded.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Mann & Elisabeth Bürgi Bonanomi, 2017. "Grabbing or investment? On judging large-scale land acquisitions," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 34(1), pages 41-51, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:34:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10460-016-9688-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-016-9688-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nolte, Kerstin & Voget-Kleschin, Lieske, 2014. "Consultation in Large-Scale Land Acquisitions: An Evaluation of Three Cases in Mali," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 654-668.
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    4. Place, Frank, 2009. "Land Tenure and Agricultural Productivity in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of the Economics Literature and Recent Policy Strategies and Reforms," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 37(8), pages 1326-1336, August.
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    6. Poul Wisborg, 2014. "Transnational Land Deals and Gender Equality: Utilitarian and Human Rights Approaches," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 24-51, January.
    7. Robert E. Lucas, Jr., 2004. "Life Earnings and Rural-Urban Migration," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 112(S1), pages 29-59, February.
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