Land law reform must find ways to contribute to improved land governance, the reduction to sever poverty, the advancement of gender equity and the creation of conditions for sustainable land resource use. Land tenure systems have efficiency as well as social underpinnings and the recognition of the social policy side calls for a clearer focus on the impact of land law reform to the poor. Land law reform needs of landholders under customary tenure combined with the recognition of local co-management models requires new attention. Reforms should narrow the ground for misuse of power by the state or by well-connected individuals. The challenge for a solid land law reform process is to link the process with research-based policy making, broad public consultation and improved coordination by the international community.

Willi Zimmermann
Land Governance Advisor
Leipzig, Germany
wita21@gmx.net