Tackling Land Corruption by Political Elites: The need for a multi-disciplinary, participatory approach

This legal paper builds on the anti-corruption provisions of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests in the Context of National Food Security to define political land corruption, explore legal instruments to address it, and suggest a three-pronged strategy involving national authorities, local communities, and international actors to tackle corruption.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 78 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

This legal paper builds on the anti-corruption provisions of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security, to define the multiple manifestations of political land corruption, explore the international and national legal instruments available to address the problem, and suggest a three-pronged strategy to tackle corruption, focusing on the role of national authorities, local communities, and international actors.

Political land corruption manifests in various forms, including the misuse of public power for personal gain, the allocation of land rights in an arbitrary or discriminatory manner, and the corruption of land administration processes. These practices can have severe consequences for local communities, including food insecurity, forced displacement, and environmental degradation.

To address political land corruption, a comprehensive approach is required that involves the engagement of national authorities, local communities, and international actors. National authorities play a critical role in implementing anti-corruption measures, including the establishment of transparent land administration systems, the enforcement of land laws, and the prosecution of corrupt officials. Local communities, on the other hand, can contribute to the fight against corruption by advocating for their rights and participating in land governance processes. International actors, such as international organizations, donors, and the private sector, can also play a role in supporting anti-corruption efforts by providing technical assistance, funding, and advocacy.

A three-pronged strategy is proposed to tackle political land corruption. The first prong involves the prevention of corruption through the implementation of robust legal and regulatory frameworks. This includes the enactment and enforcement of laws that protect land rights, promote transparency in land administration processes, and provide mechanisms for reporting and investigating corruption. The second prong involves the promotion of good governance practices in land administration, including the development of participatory land management systems, the training of land officials, and the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms. The third prong involves the engagement of local communities in land governance processes, including the participation in decision-making processes, the development of community-based land management institutions, and the promotion of sustainable land use practices.

In conclusion, political land corruption is a significant threat to national food security and sustainable development. By implementing a comprehensive approach that involves the engagement of national authorities, local communities, and international actors, it is possible to tackle this problem and promote sustainable land use practices.

Dimension: 210 x 297 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251362167