Sustainable Development OPINION 2005 LAND IN AFRICA Market asset or secure livelihood? Summary of conclusions from the Land in Africa Conference held in London, November 8-9, 2004.

Document begins: Sustainable Development OPINION 2005 LAND IN AFRICA Market asset or secure livelihood? Summary of conclusions from the Land in Africa Conference held in London, November 8-9, 2004. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) Natural Resources Institute (NRI) Royal African Society (RAS) African ministers, policy makers, opinion leaders and researchers concerned with KEY FINDINGS: land issues gathered in London with international agencies and experts for Land in Africa, a two-day Conference in early November, 2004, to explore current Land reform and security of tenure thinking and experience with land tenure issues across the continent. Participants demand political support and long-term debated how land policies and programmes for land management can best commitment. promote secure rights, investment and economic growth. This document highlights the findings and key policy messages emerging from the Conference. Donor mechanisms, such as Poverty Reduction Strategies, need to support the Background land institutions that underpin economic Land lies at the heart of social, political and economic life in most of Africa. growth, peace and stability. Agriculture, natural resource use and other land-based activities are key to livelihoods, income and employment. Land also has major historical and spiritual Land issues must be mainstreamed into the significance. ...