ABSTRACT

Increased investment interest in land can, at least in theory, create substantial opportunities. Rising commodity prices and the capital flows these help to generate have the potential to bring much-needed investment to agricultural and forestry sectors in developing countries. They have the potential to enhance livelihoods and food security through improvements in productivity and structures that allow poor land users to connect with and benefit from growing global markets. Many case studies regarding large-scale land acquisitions discuss well-established industries such as mining, hydrocarbon operations and oil palm plantations. These have more likely a track record of profitability (e.g. in Indonesia and Peru). However, other acquisitions appear to have more uncertain commercial prospects. An in-depth analysis of outcomes for host countries would require far more evidence than is provided by the existing case studies, particularly with regard to macro-economic aspects measured on a longer-term basis.