Tanzania's Land Rush: Impacts of the Farmland Investment Game

A new trend in foreign direct investments (FDI) emerged after the global financial crisis of 2008, with investors showing interest in farmland in developing nations. This land rush was a marker of increased land commodification and agricultural financialization, but it has also been associated with global narratives of agricultural modernization and development. This book examines the contexts of six investment projects in Tanzania and uncovers how political struggles over land, capital, and authority determine the goals and outcomes of the farmland investment game.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

After the global financial crisis of 2008, a new trend in foreign direct investments (FDI) emerged: investors' growing interest in farmland in developing nations. This land rush marked increased land commodification and agricultural financialization, but it has also been associated with global narratives of agricultural modernization and development through FDI of cheap, unproductive, and/or idle farmland. However, as this book demonstrates, global investment dynamics are dictated by complex economic, political, socio-historical dynamics in any host country. Focusing on the land rush in Tanzania, the contexts of six investment projects in the nation are examined and unpacked, helping to understand the ways in which political struggles over land, capital, and authority all feed into determining the goals and, ultimately, the outcomes of the farmland investment game.

Introduction:
The global financial crisis of 2008 brought about significant changes in the world economy, including a surge in foreign direct investments (FDI) into developing nations. One notable trend that emerged during this period was the land rush, as investors sought to acquire farmland in these countries, driven by the perceived potential for high returns and agricultural development.

The Land Rush:
The land rush was a marker of increased land commodification and agricultural financialization. It involved the acquisition of large tracts of farmland by foreign investors, often with the aim of improving productivity and increasing agricultural output. This trend was particularly evident in developing nations, where there was a growing demand for food and agricultural products due to population growth and urbanization.

Global Narratives of Agricultural Modernization:
The land rush was often associated with global narratives of agricultural modernization and development through FDI. These narratives suggested that foreign investment in farmland would bring about technological advancements, improved agricultural practices, and increased food security. The idea was that by bringing in modern equipment, expertise, and capital, developing nations could leapfrog over traditional agricultural systems and achieve sustainable agricultural growth.

Criticisms of the Land Rush:
However, the land rush was not without its criticisms. Some argued that it was driven by profit-seeking rather than by genuine interest in agricultural development. They pointed out that many foreign investors were more interested in maximizing short-term returns rather than investing in long-term sustainable agriculture. Additionally, there were concerns about the impact of large-scale farmland investments on local communities, particularly those who depended on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The Case of Tanzania:
To better understand the dynamics of the land rush and its implications, this book focuses on the case of Tanzania. Tanzania is a country with a rich agricultural heritage but also faces significant challenges in terms of food security and rural development. The country has seen a surge in farmland investments in recent years, with both local and foreign investors acquiring large tracts of land.

Investment Projects:
The book examines six investment projects in Tanzania that were undertaken between 2010 and 2015. These projects were diverse in terms of their goals, investors, and locations. Some projects aimed to improve agricultural productivity through the introduction of modern technologies and irrigation systems, while others focused on developing agribusinesses and value chains.

Political Struggles over Land:
One of the key themes that emerged from the examination of these investment projects was the political struggles over land. In Tanzania, land is a highly valued commodity, and there are ongoing disputes between local communities, government authorities, and foreign investors over land rights and access. These struggles often have significant implications for the outcomes of farmland investments, as investors may face delays, legal challenges, and social unrest.

Capital and Authority:
Another important factor that influenced the outcomes of farmland investments was the availability of capital and authority. In many cases, foreign investors were able to secure financing and access to land through government partnerships or private-public partnerships. However, there were concerns about the distribution of benefits and risks among different stakeholders, particularly in cases where foreign investors had more power and resources than local communities.

Conclusion:
The land rush in Tanzania was a complex phenomenon that was driven by a range of economic, political, and socio-historical dynamics. While it was associated with global narratives of agricultural modernization and development, it also raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on local communities and the environment. This book provides a valuable insight into the contexts of farmland investments in Tanzania, helping to understand the ways in which political struggles over land, capital, and authority all feed into determining the goals and, ultimately, the outcomes of the farmland investment game.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350273900