Competitive rights, competitive claims: land access in post‐war Mozambique

This article examines the complex struggles for land in Mozambique before and after its civil war and how these dynamics may undermine the country's fragile peace process. It notes that dubious government activities and official unwillingness to confront land tenure reform issues are exacerbating an already confusing situation marked by competitive and overlapping land claims. Drawing upon field research throughout the country, it reveals that in the past three years, government agencies have been haphazardly distributing land rights to new and returning private national and foreign enterprises as well as to government officials through privatisation of the vast state farm sector, reactivation of former colonial titles, and granting of concessions. It is estimated that as of May 1994 40 million hectares of land, more than half of Mozambique's total area, have been granted in concessions or ‘sold’ to commercial enterprises. This practice is leading to the emergence of a new category of post‐war displaced families. A case study of land access and competition in two locations in Gaza Province reveals that, contrary to government predictions, not all refugees and displaced families are returning to their ‘areas of origin’. Motivated by continuing security concerns and economic considerations, many are locating in areas near infrastructure, markets and transportation. The case also illuminates how war, and colonial and post‐independence policies have generated multiple layers of competitive claimants. Resolving these land conflicts will necessitate more secure and transparent land rights and clarification of who has power to distribute rights and adjudicate conflicts. The article concludes that the government, in redesigning its land laws in ways conducive to long‐term economic growth and political stability, should encourage a dialogue with all segments of Mozambican society and, rather than viewing smallholders and customary rules as impediments, incorporate them as active partners.