This paper was commissioned by ActionAid and serves as a think-piece to build our understanding of the gendered implications of the recent wave of large-scale land acquisitions and investments, particularly in Africa. It aims to provide a basis for further development of policy proposals and recommendations that address the issue from a developmental and gender equality perspective.

Wars and their aftermaths frequently transform land use and ownership, reshaping 'post-conflict' landscapes through new boundaries, population movements, land reforms and conditions of access. Within a global context of controversial land concessions and farmland acquisitions, we bring to light the continued salience of historical memories of war in the ways land conflicts are being negotiated in Laos.

The findings of this study by Urban LandMark,Universidade Eduardo Modlane and Universidade Pedagógica tell an important story of the significance of local land practices in creating opportunities for urban dwellers to secure land rights in the absence of an accessible and affordable formal system. And the findings not only shed light on our understanding of how urban territory is carved up and managed; they underscore the ways in which we conceptualise African cities, with implications for both urban theory and practice.

Abstract

This country profile has been compiled as part of a series of country factsheets particularly prepared for Dutch embassies that are developing a strategic analysis on food security and water. The factsheets present the relevant policy and institutional contexts with respect to land governance for each of the 15 selected countries. They have been updated in July 2012.

This country profile has been compiled as part of a series of country factsheets particularly prepared for Dutch embassies that are developing a strategic analysis on food security and water. The factsheets present the relevant policy and institutional contexts with respect to land governance for each of the 15 selected countries. They have been updated in July 2012.

This country profile has been compiled as part of a series of country factsheets particularly prepared for Dutch embassies that are developing a strategic analysis on food security and water. The factsheets present the relevant policy and institutional contexts with respect to land governance for each of the 15 selected countries. They have been updated in July 2012. 

This country profile has been compiled as part of a series of country factsheets particularly prepared for Dutch embassies that are developing a strategic analysis on food security and water. The factsheets present the relevant policy and institutional contexts with respect to land governance for each of the 15 selected countries. They have been updated in July 2012. 

This country profile has been compiled as part of a series of country factsheets particularly prepared for Dutch embassies that are developing a strategic analysis on food security and water. The factsheets present the relevant policy and institutional contexts with respect to land governance for each of the 15 selected countries. They have been updated in July 2012. 

This country profile has been compiled as part of a series of country factsheets particularly prepared for Dutch embassies that are developing a strategic analysis on food security and water. The factsheets present the relevant policy and institutional contexts with respect to land governance for each of the 15 selected countries. They have been updated in July 2012.