Philippine : has land reform changed land ownership concentration?

Possession of vast lands is a major representation of wealth in the Philippines - a privilege enjoyed largely by the ruling class since the colonial era. This ownership of huge tracts of land has resulted in numerous political, social, and economic inequalities. This edition of Development Research News addresses these disparities.

The authors argue that the cause of failed land reform policies lies in the authorities having ignored the evasion tactics of landowners. These tactics have enabled them to avoid the redistribution of their lands to small farmers. Rather than seeking to erase the social injustices associated with land ownership, it is argued that, in many instances, this highly politicised land reform has only propagated the cycle of rural poverty and economic stagnation, and, consequently, social unrest.

While advocating for improved monitoring and controlling of evasion, equally crucial to the authors is examining the reasons why farmer beneficiaries of land reform are increasingly selling or mortgaging the lands awarded to them.

• Full text of document : http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/