The share of agriculture in the GDP declined from 16 percent in the 1990s to almost 14 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, those employed in agriculture as a percent of total labor force is declining since 1960 to 2006. Despite losing labor and share of the GDP, agriculture is, and will continue to be, among the major economic activities in Egypt, and a generator for economic growth. The balance between agriculture and other productive sectors of the economy require proper spatial and land use planning. Land tenure is central to this planning exercise.

This booklet is intended to guide extension service advisors and institutions who work with small-scale farmers and foresters with an interest in Carbon inance and Carbon Projects. Its aim is to support setting-up carbon projects which involve small-scale farmers.

Their participation allows them to be involved in the development and implementation of

the project, influence the design of the project to generate positive impacts for the farmers

and increase their knowledge about carbon finance.

In recent years, Zambia has witnessed increased interest from private investors in acquiring land for

agriculture. As elsewhere, large-scale land acquisitions are often accompanied with promises of capital

investments to build infrastructure, bring new technologies and know-how, create employment, and

improve market access, among other benefits. But agricultural investments create risks as well as

opportunities, for instance in relation to loss of land for family farmers. While much debate on ‘land

Land lies at the heart of social, political and economic life in much of rural
Africa. It provides a major source of livelihoods, income and employment; a
basis for social and political relations; and has major historical, cultural and
spiritual significance. In many places, rapid socio-economic changes are
undermining the security of land access for poorer and more vulnerable
groups – particularly in high-value lands such as peri-urban areas, irrigated
schemes and fertile lands. Securing land access for these groups is

This paper explores trends of good governance of tenure of land and other natural resources in Latin America. It analyzes mechanisms employed and identifies issues to be considered when aiming for a responsible governance of land tenure

FAO’s Land Tenure Notes provide information on

land tenure in a format that can be used by grassroots

organizations which work with small farmers

and others in rural communities. Improving secure

access to land by the rural poor is essential in order

to reduce poverty and hunger and to promote sustainable

rural development. Improving people’s

knowledge of their rights to land is an important

part of making rights real, thereby allowing people

to improve their livelihoods.

This discussion paper has been prepared by FAO’s Land Tenure and Management Unit to

seek views and comments on voluntary guidelines on responsible governance of tenure of

land and other natural resources. Weak governance of tenure results in the loss of life and

livelihoods; it deters investment and widespread economic growth and discourages the

sustainable use of natural resources. In contrast, responsible governance of tenure ensures

This joint FAO-World Bank publication aims to draw attention to the negative impacts of weak governance in land administration and to point out the manifold benefits of good governance in the protection of property rights and the development of efficient land and property markets. It provides positive examples of good practices from around the world, as well as an overview of principles and key questions to be applied in any country for the evaluation of governance in land administration.

Land Tenure Working Paper 13: Secure land rights are crucial if local populations are to engage actively as stakeholders in rural development.

This guide is written for people who work in land administration and all those with an interest in land, land tenure and their governance. Although much has been written about the importance of good governance in achieving development goals, there is comparatively little material on good governance in land tenure and administration. Failings in governance have adverse consequences for society as a whole. By contrast, good governance can help achieve economic development and the reduction of poverty. Good governance matters.

Voluntary guidelines are human-rights based documents that provide a framework

and reference point for national and international policies. They need to be derived

from international agreements and credible examples of good practice if they are to

command wide support. This paper is based on 56 authoritative international

documents from which 14 principles about land and natural resources tenure have

been derived.

Land consolidation can be an important tool for increasing agricultural competitiveness and improving rural conditions. Farmers can become more competitive when they decrease fragmentation and increase the size of their farms, and rural communities can benefit when consolidation projects include components to improve local infrastructure and the environment.