Explores the relationship between HIV/AIDS and land rights in Kenya, with a particular focus on women. The study examines three village case studies in different parts of Kenya (Embo, Thika and Bondo) and attempts to distinguish the role of HIV/AIDS in precipitating or aggravating tenure insecurity from other influences. The primary objective is to understand the relationship between the AIDS-affected status of households and individuals and changes in their land tenure status, if any. HIV/AIDS emerges as a significant but not primary cause of tenure insecurity.

Describes the work of the late Patrick McAuslan, international legal adviser on land. Covers contrary perspectives in Tanzania 1996-7; counterpoint in Uganda 1998-9; the land policy paper that never was Lesotho 2001; a reform too far Lesotho 2003; some satisfaction Botswana 2002; full speed ahead Rwanda 2006; concluding comments. The author hopes that the principles and standards Patrick McAuslan set will continue to inspire those who follow him.

This review of land issues in twenty countries in Southern and Eastern Africa is the third since 2004. The idea of conducting a regular review arose in an informal meeting of land rights activists in Pretoria in 2003 concerned about the seeming lack of progress with land reform in the region and what might be done to improve land rights delivery. It was recognised that there was a lack of systematic information as to what was actually happening and the need to track the progress of the various national programmes underway, as well as monitor land rights under serious threat.

A report commissioned by the World Bank’s Northern Uganda Recovery and Development Program (RDP). Contains chapters on internal displacement in Uganda; review of policy and laws on IDPs and land in Uganda; review of existing studies on land and IDPs; best practices, experiences, and lessons from Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Cambodia, El Salvador, Bosnia; emerging issues and research questions. Annexes on international conventions and covenants, and UN guiding principles on internal displacement.

Proposes a clear, simple method for characterising rights to land and natural resources and holders of land rights that can easily be applied in different cultures and legal systems all over the world.

Martin Adams has been seconded in recent years to the South African Department of Land Affairs. Here he examines the content and fate of the Land Rights Bill and the recent political opposition to it.

The Uganda Land Alliance was invited to the Kigali workshop to share Ugandan experiences with Rwandans. The paper covers the historical perspective to land reform in Uganda, land reform and salient features of the 1995 Constitution and the 1998 Land Act, and challenges and constraints to implementing the Land Act.

A historical analysis of the current land invasion crisis, examining the chequered past of the white farmers. Contrasts the present situation with the eviction without compensation by whites of Chief Tangwenya and his followers. Examines the different interpretations by the British and Zimbabwean Governments of the agreement over land reached at Lancaster House in 1979. Argues that the present media coverage lacks historical perspective and is doing the country a disservice. There are more questions needing to be asked about Britain’s role

Includes experience with land policy development in the region, the Malawi National Land Policy and its implementation strategy, the emerging land market, social protection and economic growth and DFID’s support to date. Among the options suggested to DFID are a more inclusive project, low cost strategic engagement or withdrawal from the land sector. Argues the need for DFID support for public information and awareness and for civil society organisations. Contains a draft legal brief on customary title in Malawian law as an annex.

Explores current and potential impacts of the increasing spread of biofuels on access to land in producer countries, particularly for poorer rural people. Finds that biofuels could revitalise rural agriculture and livelihoods, but may also marginalise and exclude poorer people – particularly where local land rights are insecure, capacity to enforce them is limited, and major power asymmetries shape relations between local resource users and large industry players.

Summarises the results of recent research into tenure insecurity and policy implications. Argues that legislation is needed to confirm people’s rights.

Introduction – conceptual, policy and legislative frameworks. Overview of the impact of HIV/AIDS – on poverty, livelihoods, land and agriculture. Study findings and their implications – land tenure, land rights, gender and inheritance, land use, land administration, land markets and redistribution, agricultural production. Emerging issues and policy options on land tenure, land rights, land use, land administration, land markets and redistribution, agricultural production. Includes findings from household surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.