Land Reform and Socio-Economic Impacts in East Africa: An Action Research Study in São Tomé and Príncipe

This study examines the socio-economic impacts of land reform in São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa. An action research approach was employed, involving interviews with farmers, government officials, and community leaders to gather qualitative data. There was a notable shift towards more equitable land distribution among smallholder farmers, leading to increased crop yields in targeted regions. Land reform has had mixed effects on economic stability; while some communities benefited from direct ownership improvements, others experienced challenges in transitioning traditional farming practices. Policy recommendations include strengthening support services for new landholders and fostering sustainable agricultural development strategies.