Due to a growing world population, changing consumption patterns and the development of new markets for agricultural products, the commercial value of land has been increasing. This trend may negatively affect small-scale farmers all over the world.

In February 2009, the Centre for Development Studies (University of Groningen), the International Land Coalition and Oxfam Novib started a one-year process [link: Activities, output and outcome] aimed at generating information needed to influence policies tackling the mounting pressure on lands.

A paper published by the International Land Coalition entitled ‘Increasing commercial pressure on land: Building a coordinated response’  addresses several myths that are commonly associated with ‘land grabbing’. Below is a selection.

Increasing pressure on land also creates opportunities, and community-private partnerships present a potentially valuable approach to reducing poverty and stimulating rural development.

Trends in the development of community-private partnerships differ per region and country and can take different forms.

The ILC presents several elements of a coordinated response to increasing commercial pressures on lands that is required by the development community.

The DPRN process came up with several policy recommendations and principles for governments and NGOs.

Following up on the DPRN process, the International Land Coalition maintains an online interest group. The process organisers are also continuing research on the subject of commercial pressures on land. The Centre for Development Studies in cooperation with the Modern East Asia Research Centre (MEARC) of Leiden University has started a new research project on Chinese global land acquisitions: Rethinking ‘land grabbing’ and overseas investments. For more info, contact Professor Peter Ho (info@mearc.eu).