The new scramble for Africa: towards a human-rights based approach to large-scale land acquisitions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sub-region

Book chapter


Gilbert, J. and Keane, D. 2012. The new scramble for Africa: towards a human-rights based approach to large-scale land acquisitions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sub-region. in: Chigara, B. (ed.) Southern African Development Community land issues: towards a new sustainable land relations policy UK Routledge. pp. 144-168
Chapter titleThe new scramble for Africa: towards a human-rights based approach to large-scale land acquisitions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sub-region
AuthorsGilbert, J. and Keane, D.
Abstract

The chapter examines the implications of a contemporary ‘land grab’ in the SADC region, or the growing acquisition of lands by foreign investors at the behest of Asian or Middle Eastern states, to produce crops for their own consumption and security in the wake of the global food crisis. The analysis provides a rights-based approach to large-scale land acquisition, particularly looking at the right to food and land rights for the local communities, including an exploration of the meaning and reach of customary land rights. It also examines the right to development, which is used as a justification for leasing lands, and highlights that this right concurrently confers obligations on SADC states to protect the rights of peoples to control decisions which affect their economic and social development. Overall the aim is to signal the alarming move towards large-scale land acquisitions in the SADC region, and the potential for human rights to provide a regulatory framework. It is suggested that the issue could galvanise the international movement towards non-state actor accountability, which has been evolving for several decades.

Research GroupLaw and Politics
Page range144-168
Book titleSouthern African Development Community land issues: towards a new sustainable land relations policy
EditorsChigara, B.
PublisherRoutledge
Place of publicationUK
ISBN
Hardcover9780415587044
Publication dates
Print2012
Publication process dates
Deposited09 Mar 2011
Output statusPublished
Copyright Statement

Embargoed, awaiting copyright cleartance. (9/2/11)

Web address (URL)http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415587044/
LanguageEnglish
File
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