It would seem that I have inadvertently been placed on Columbia University's Vale Center mailing list. Yet unlike other mailing lists from which I generally unsubscribe as quickly as is humanly possible, I think I'll stick around on this one. The Center's most recent publication is both quite interesting and timely, speaking as it does to the issue of international farmland deals in Africa. An excerpt:
Trends in foreign direct investment in land for agriculture reflect deep global economic and social transformations, with potentially profound implications for the future of world agriculture. The role of food in human consumption makes it fundamentally different from other commodities. In many parts of the world, land is central to identity, livelihoods and food security, and decisions taken today will have major repercussions for many, for decades to come. While bilateral negotiations are unfolding fast, there is a need for vigorous public debate in recipient countries, so as to base decisions on strategic thinking about the future of agriculture, the place of large and small-scale farming within it, and the role and nature of outside investment.
This couldn't be more on the mark. As I've noted in earlier posts (see here and here), 'land grabs' by foreign entities are becoming a growing threat to the (often customary) land rights of citizens, and in many cases fail to provide any benefit to the host communities - economic or otherwise. In light of this, it behooves recipient governments to establish regulatory frameworks governing such transactions. The costs of not doing so are too high.
Well done, Vale Center. I look forward to receiving more updates.
PS. Further to the issue of 'land grabs,' it would appear that Tsvangirai's niece is trying to pull off one of her own ...