Assessing Effects of Large-Scale Land Transfers : Challenges and Opportunities in Malawi's Estate Sector
This study uses data from the complete computerization of agricultural leases in Malawi, a georeferenced farm survey, and satellite imagery to document the opportunities and challenges of land-based investment in novel ways. Although 1.5 million he...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Working Paper |
| Language: | English en_US |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2017
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/794751505916933601/Assessing-effects-of-large-scale-land-transfers-challenges-and-opportunities-in-Malawis-estate-sector http://hdl.handle.net/10986/28378 |
| Summary: | This study uses data from the complete
computerization of agricultural leases in Malawi, a
georeferenced farm survey, and satellite imagery to document
the opportunities and challenges of land-based investment in
novel ways. Although 1.5 million hectares, or 25 percent, of
Malawi's agricultural area is under agricultural
estates, analysis shows that 70 percent has expired leases
and 140,000 hectares are subject to overlapping claims. This
reduces revenue from ground rent by up to US$35 millon per
year or 5 percent of public spending and, by decreasing
tenure security, may affect the productivity of land use.
Indeed a 2006/07 survey shows large farms underperforming
small ones in yield, productivity, and intensity of land
use, while failing to generate positive spillovers. Recently
passed Land Acts create opportunities to clarify the
boundaries and lease status for existing estates as a first
step toward systematic demarcation of customary estates.
Failure to follow this sequence could exacerbate insecurity,
with undesirable effects on productive performance. |
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