Trends in the Emergence of Agricultural Land Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

While much attention has been paid to why agricultural land markets may evolve in Africa, and the desirability of such an evolution, little has been written about the specific mechanisms whereby customary prohibitions against land alienation may be circumvented. This article investigates the nature and policy implications of four such mechanisms: reciprocity, investments, caretakers and distress sales. Among policies that may lead to increased land market activity are those that facilitate risk-spreading and investment among rural populations, and policies aimed at urban job creation.

Keywords:

• land tenure
• custom
• land markets
• Africa
• reciprocity
• investment
• caretakers