Exposing the Exclusionary Essence of Large-Scale Investments in Sub-Saharan Land

Abstract

'Land grabbing' certainly represents one of the hottest topics of debate within the areas of developmental and agricultural studies. However, this article claims that a narrow focus on the illegality and consequences of the grabbing', rather than on large scale investments in land (LaSIL) as a form of economic development which is inherently exclusionary, can be detrimental to the future of small-scale farmers. A short term perspective overlooks the indirect consequences of industrialization, and legitimize long-term exclusions and marginalization. Through past and present evidence, this paper demonstrates that LaSIL as competing projects will inevitably produce the abandonment of rural areas, the proletarianization of peasants, and the increase in social inequality, against any possibility for coexistence and harmonious cooperation.