This paper presents the results of a short-term research project conducted in 2017/2018 on the various ways in which migration and land dynamics inWest Africa are intertwined. Contrary to much conventional (policy) thinking in the European Union (EU) today, our point of departure is not that migration is the problem to be solved - nor that (access to) land is the straightforward means to discouraging migration.

This policy brief was developed in order to enable a meaningful engagement and policy dialogue with government institutions and other relevant stakeholders about challenges and opportunities related to the recognition of customary tenure in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Customary tenure is understood to be the local rules, institutions and practices governing land, fisheries and forests that have, over time and use, gained social legitimacy and become embedded in the fabric of a society.

Il s’agit d’effectuer une analyse nationale approfondie sur l’état de la politique et de la gouvernance foncière dans le contexte de la Déclaration de Malabo pour soutenir le développement d’un PNIA au Gabon, en incluant une présentation de la situation actuelle, les éventuelles lacunes et des recommandations.

De manière spécifique, il s’agit de :

• Evaluer dans quelle mesure la gouvernance foncière est abordée dans le PNIA en cours et l'impact de ce PNIA sur la gouvernance foncière ;

Ce guide est le fruit d’une formation portant sur le consentement préalable, donné librement et en connaissance de cause (CPLCC) et le partage d’autres outils développés au niveau local qui s’est tenue les 2 et 3 mai 2018 à Kayes au Mali*. Cette formation a réuni une cinquantaine de participants, venant des organisations paysannes, des groupements de femmes et de jeunes, des élus locaux, des ONG et des services techniques régionaux. Elle a permis à ces différents acteurs d’analyser le processus du CPLCC dans le contexte local pour renforcer la gouvernance foncière au Mali.

The publication is an informational pamphlet on the VGGT guide on improving the governance of pastoralist lands. The pamphlet is meant to be a tool for civil society to inform pastoralist communities regarding the VGGT and its applicability in securing their rights to resources. At the same time the pamphlet also speaks to local administrators regarding the principles enshrined in the VGGT. This audience is chosen to raise awareness regarding the VGGT as a country endorsed mechanism for securing land resources and livelihoods for pastoralist communities.

Une nouvelle approche reposant sur l'étude juridique et anthropologique des différents systèmes d'exploitation du delta intérieur du Niger (Mali) et de leurs interactions permet de démontrer l'imbrication fondamentale du fonds (défini comme substrat, support des éléments biotiques) et de l'environnement (constitué des ressources renouvelables, en tant qu'enjeu de relations de pouvoirs). Cette démarche interdisciplinaire se fonde sur une approche méthodologique prenant en compte trois échelles d'observation: le terroir villageois, la province et la région.

The recent global surge in large-scale foreign land acquisitions marks a radical transformation of the global economic and political landscape. Since land that attracts capital often becomes the site of expulsions and displacement, it also leads to new forms of migration. In this paper, I explore this connection from the perspective of a political philosopher. I argue that changes in global land governance unsettle the congruence of political community and bounded territory that we often take for granted.

In current literature, certain scholars have stressed the role of the private sector in the process of revitalizing agriculture through agribusiness-led development. Others have underlined the global risks of poorly negotiated land acquisitions that disadvantage farmers and of nontransparent trade arrangements that create suspicion within local communities. Official and unofficial data whose relevance is frequently questioned, because they differ from actual conditions found on the ground, are often built upon these narratives.

Availability of accurate and up to date data and information on land and different land uses, such as agriculture, forestry, mining, wildlife, water, housing and infrastructure, is critical to effective land governance and crucial for planning and managing the use of land and land-based resources. Public institutions and the government need land data and information for appropriate and timely decision- making; while land users, the general public and other stakeholders need it to effectively monitor and influence those decisions.

From forced eviction to loss of livelihood, social status, savings and even life, land corruption in Africa has serious and far-reaching consequences. Such corruption comes in many forms, and it must be understood – along with the factors that enable it – before it can be tackled.