Land: Better access and secure rights for poor people

A new DFID Policy Paper on land, divided into four sections: landmark issues (unequal distribution and insecure tenure); how secure access to land can promote shared growth; good governance � the vital ingredient in land reform; DFID’s approach to land issues. DFID is currently supporting work on land in 21 countries, including Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Argues that ‘while it is important to keep working for good governance overall, the land sector demands dedicated focus’. The governance section includes empowerment of landless people (Bangladesh); tackling forced evictions (Kenya); dispute resolution: legal support for poor people (Tajikistan); land rights in post-conflict situations (Rwanda, Mozambique, Angola, Tajikistan, Afghanistan). ‘DFID responds strategically when there are political opportunities to make progress on land reforms’. Will give appropriate emphasis to improving women’s rights of access and inheritance.