Untying the Land Knot: Making Equitable, Efficient, and Sustainable Use of Industrial and Commercial Land

Access to well-secured, well-zoned and well-serviced land is a crucial condition for industrial and commercial investment. In many developing countries, where the land market remains underdeveloped and the land governance framework is weak, systemic policy and institutional reforms are needed to bring security, efficiency and transparency to the process of business access to land. Land policy reform is challenging, politically, institutionally and technically. It must balance business, social and environmental imperatives to succeed. Empirical evidence suggests that a pragmatic approach taking one step at a time with prioritized targets while keeping the long-term objectives in sight helps mitigate risks, speed up the investment process, and bring economic benefits to broad population. These successful first steps can also prepare the path for more comprehensive reforms.

Across Africa and elsewhere, mayors, governors, and federal governments are asking, 'How can the different, sometimes competing, interests in determining land policies and land use plans be balanced? How can investors, local communities, the civil society, and other stakeholders be engaged to transform potential land conflicts into win-win situations?' The authors of this book provide some answers to these questions showing what can be achieved when governments take determined and pragmatic steps. --Karl P. Sauvant, Executive Director, Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment Co-Director, Millennium Cities Initiative

This review of the development and reform of land policy to promote economic development encompasses current practical experience in the area. A dozen valuable case studies highlight particular policy applications designed to improve business access to land and their results. Complementing these case studies are six technical chapters addressing experience across countries with specific approaches ranging from land leasing to global information systems. From this material the volume then draws lessons that will be useful to government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, real estate professionals, and private firms dealing with problems of land availability. The experience presented in this volume will guide practitioners now and will also stimulate research and more analytical contributions in the years to come. --Gregory K. Ingram, President and CEO, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy