In June 2019 the Government of Zimbabwe announced a policy instrument allowing for Joint Ventures (JVs) and subletting of land for agricultural purposes. This paper discusses what the JVs mean for Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector in particular and the broader economy in general. The ultimate objective is to establish the relationship between the JV and land subletting or leasing policy instrument;as well as interrogate the circumstances under which these thrive. The paper also explores the possible effects JV’s and subletting will have on Zimbabwe’s agriculture value supply chains.

Covers rights violations in Liberia – responsibility in Switzerland; rubber and Socfin in Switzerland; evictions for plantation expansions; access to food and water; violence on the plantations; limited opportunities for jobs and schooling; conclusions; bibliography.

The certificate of customary ownership (CCO) is a land tenure reform implemented in customary tenure areas of Uganda;including Nwoya district in the north. Proponents of CCOs contend that they enhance tenure security for women and men;while critics argue that they fall short of expectations;disenfranchise;and at times extinguish rights to land. The objective of this analysis is to assess changes in tenure security that are attributable to CCOs by focusing on the completeness of the bundle of rights using the Conceptual Framework on Women’s Land Tenure Security.

This report;based on primary and secondary data;highlights the link between land and inequality in Uganda.  It underscores the need to review policies;laws and regulations governing institutions and practices in the realm of land ownership;access;use and management;and to allocate enough resources to secure land rights. The report looks at factors that have had an impact on poverty and vulnerability;and how policies;laws;regulations and cultural practices can be made more inclusive.

Report provides an alternate response to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s request to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) to analyse impacts of warming to 1.5°C and related greenhouse gas emission pathways. Covers strengthening indigenous and community land rights;restoring forests and other ecosystems;and transforming agriculture. Confines solution pathways to low-risk land-sector approaches that protect;restore and sustainably manage natural ecosystems;while respecting human rights.

Liberia has long maintained a dual land tenure system over statutory and customary lands characterized by unclear terms of ownership. Most rural Liberians depend on common resources for their survival. These are largely communally owned;used and managed. But the Liberian government has effectively treated all un-deeded land as public land to be administered by the State. This has undermined the land rights of the majority.

Presents an overview of 15 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa where land and natural resource tenure initiatives have been implemented over several decades by governments;civil society;the private sector and other developmental organisations. Features challenges;strategies and tools for increasing poor people’s access to secure land and natural resources. Allows for comparison between the selected countries to help practitioners;students and researchers to better grasp the complexities of dealing with land and natural resource tenure in these countries.

Publication shows how addressing land issues can mitigate conflict;facilitate solutions to it;improve the likelihood that people can return to their homes after the violence is over;and contribute to peace overall. Draws on cases in nine countries in the Arab States;Africa and Latin America;with a range of conflict parties: farmers;herders;landlords;villagers;mining companies;host communities;displaced people;gangs;and various levels of government.

From 2009-2015 Namati and partners CTV in Mozambique;LEMU in Uganda and SDI in Liberia supported more than 100 communities to document and protect their customary land rights. In late 2017 Namati evaluated the impacts the process had on communitiesresponses to outsiders seeking community lands and natural resources. Of the 61 communities assessed;46% had been approached by outside actors seeking community lands and natural resources since completing their land protection efforts.

This report denounces human rights violations occurring in Socfin Group’s rubber plantations operation in Liberia.

Includes: why a focus on corporate accountability?; communities at the frontline; corporations: the accountability challenge; the way forward: legislative and policy opportunities; recommendations: action on accountability. Argues that devastating human rights violations will continue to occur with impunity unless we move beyond voluntary approaches and bring in a legally binding treaty on business and human rights. The size;influence and complexity of corporations pose major challenges for states to hold them to account. Impunity regarding human rights abuses by companies is increasing.

A 22 minute video about one of the biggest cases of agricultural land grabbing in Senegal: 20,000 hectares;first allocated to Senhuile-Sénéthanol;now known as Les Fermes de la Téranga. The Italian investors Tampieri Financial Group pulled out of the project in 2017 and the new owners – Agro Industries Corp;based in the tax haven of the Cayman Islands – arrived in 2018.