Introduction:
Rural Movements and Land Reform
The paper attempts
to answer a critical question which faces policy makers: whether
the emergence of organised social movements is a pre-condition
for land redistribution. Indeed, as we argue below in a number
of situations, governments have pursued land redistribution more
vigorously under the pressure of social movements in some cases,
under the pressure of international governments in others, and/or
under pressure from both.
If pressure from social
movements is a critical factor in land reform, then the political
and social rationale for land reforms assumes greater importance
than has hitherto been acknowledged. Instead, an important body
of the literature emphasizes the economic rationale of efficiency,
inducing land reforms and related economic considerations arising
from equity. Economic reasons also tend to be adduced to oppose
land reform. This suggests that, since there is no need to wait
for pressures for land reform from social movements, technocratic
government and/or markets will themselves pursue land redistribution
given the economic rationality implied. Moreover, it can be expected
that in some situations, rural movements may even come to terms
with governments to achieve a particular model of land reform
involving both state and social movement actors, in varying ways
and degrees.
Various cases are discussed
to highlight the different circumstances under which state and
social pressure interact, over land reform, in order to inform
policy analysts of the options to consider in support of a more
inclusive and participatory approach land reform.
To answer this question
we look at the different and changing historical contexts within
which land reforms have occurred (section 2), and then we examine
some specific experiences that demonstrate the pressure of social
movements (section 3). First, however we introduced the broad
concepts, and Section 4 summarises the key insights gained. But
first we elaborate here on some concepts and the context of contemporary
land reforms.
Note:
1. This paper
has been prepared for the workshop "Land Redistribution
in Africa: Towards a common vision." The findings, interpretations,
and conclusions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and
do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank and its affiliated
organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of The World
Bank or the governments they represent.
