ABSTRACT
Embedded in the definition of 'land grab' are key criteria, which include land deals, large size of the land (large-scale land acquisition), international contracts, government expropriations, and involvement of corporations and governments. Hence, land grabbing is fast becoming a concern that affects not only the residents of the area where the land grab is taking place but also the world at large. There is also the general outcry among those affected by the havoc caused by large-scale land acquisitions, expropriations or land grabbing in the sub-Saharan African countries and a few countries around the world by investors and big governments. Land grabbing also frequently involves violent evictions and human rights violations. The Government of Ethiopia is not only facilitating land grabs by investors but it is also the main actor. Governments of many other countries similarly directly engage in or facilitate land grabbing.
