Resource information
This study by GTZ on behalf of BMZ about FDI in land analyses the rising demand for land concessions in Madagascar and the effects on traditional land ownership. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island with a surface of 587,040 km2 and is nearly entirely located in the tropical zone.During the last years FDI grew in importance resulting in a demand of more than 3 million ha. FDI are viewed rather sceptically by the Malagasy, as seen in the example of the South Korean company DAEWOO, which wanted to lease 1.3 million ha. Even without considering DAEWOO’s cancelled FDI project the demand for land by foreign investors still adds up to 1,660,000 ha! On the other hand, the process of establishing land lease contracts is not open and transparent. The lack of transparency in combination with the lack of documented land rights results in an inappropriate recognition and consideration of farmers’ interests.