Formalising Land Tenure in Rural Africa

Discussing the article by de Soto on law and property outside the West, the author argues that the narrative presented is well articulated and convincing. His approach is sound and makes sense in places where there is demand for titling. This will be in urban and peri-urban areas and in agricultural growth areas with high pressure on land. However, in large parts of Africa where land is not in short supply and where land-use is extensive and flexible, formalisation initiatives may increase land tenure conflicts and have disastrous effects on people's livelihoods. It is therefore important that donors and governments avoid a supply-driven approach, while at the same time facilitating and decentralising titling processes to support a demand-driven approach.