The limits of state-led land reform: an introduction

Thomas Sikor, Daniel Müller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

102 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1307-1316
Number of pages3
JournalWorld Development
Volume37
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2009

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