By: Lam Dang

Lam Dang — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 01:27:31 +0000

This very interesting post shows the variety of issues that confront a land reform effort. Unfortunately land reform is too often simplified as a conflict between custom and modernity. This is an oversimplification that often obscures the real problems. In many cases, the conflict arrises out of the old use of land, which was subsistence economy based upon a communal use of land owned collectively. The problem arises when land is no longer used for subsistence. The individual stakeholders now want to monetize their “ownership,” often through rent from people outside the communal group (who else has the cash?), foreigners by definition, which makes them easy targets for recrimination. Should that attempt be encouraged or discouraged? Should stakeholders have the right to do as they want or should they be constrained by the group or the state (is that contrary to the concept of liberty)? What exactly does custom say (the main problem with custom is that since it is not written by definition, it varies depending on whom you talk to)? The example from Tonga is fascinating.

Comments on: Inappropriate land-grabs in Tonga

By: Lam Dang