Twenty-Six Centuries of Agrarian Reform: A Comparative Analysis

Tuma's book explores land reform movements over 26 centuries, arguing that they have failed to redistribute wealth, encourage economic development, improve standards of living, or ensure political stability. It presents a comparative study of eight major case histories and warns that even if high concentrations of land holdings are broken down, reconcentration is likely to recur unless strong preventive measures are taken.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Land reform movements have played a significant role in redistributing wealth, promoting economic development, improving standards of living, and ensuring political stability. Over the centuries, these movements have taken various forms and addressed different issues related to land ownership and management.

In the first part of the study, a general definition of land tenure reform is advanced. It begins with the ordinary meaning of reform as a redistribution of land to benefit the small farmer or landless agricultural worker. However, this definition is modified to take into account various forms of tenure of title to land, patterns of cultivation, terms of holding, and scale of operation.

The middle section of the book presents a comparative study of different types of land reform movements. Eight major case histories are considered, including the Greek reforms of Solon and Pisistratus in the sixth century B.C., the Roman reforms of the Gracchi in the second century B.C., the English tenure changes covering the commutations of the Middle Ages, and the enclosures of the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. These case histories provide valuable insights into the successes and challenges of past land reform movements.

The book argues that the land reforms of the last two decades have dealt with symptoms rather than the root causes of land inequality and poverty. It suggests that more comprehensive and sustainable land reform measures are needed to address the underlying issues and achieve long-term sustainable development.

In conclusion, land reform movements have had a significant impact on society, and their success or failure depends on a variety of factors, including the political context, the nature of the reform measures, and the support of the broader society. While there have been many successful land reform movements, there are still many challenges to be addressed, particularly in developing countries where land ownership and management systems are complex and often contentious.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307346