What we do

Policy Dialogue

Introduction

The primary purpose of the Dialogues Programme is to facilitate the development of a clear vision on land as a key economic, social and physical asset for enhancing sustainable development in Africa . The mobilization of civil society and the donor community around the land and agrarian reform process, through the provision of open forums is key to this process. The dialogues provide a platform where stakeholders (NGOs, Governments, regional bodies, private sector and multilateral institutions) can interact with each other so as to share and exchange information on key issues within the land and agrarian policy sectors.

This interaction has notably been absent in the aftermath of the Washington Consensus led Structural Adjustment Programmes which have diminished the importance of Africa 's land and agrarian question. However we aim to reclaim the development debate and emphasise the centrality of the resolution of the Agrarian Question undergirded by the need for thoroughgoing land reforms as the basis for Africa 's takes off. We feel that it is crucial to provide platforms for objective analysis of issues, correction of past policy mistakes and establishing frameworks of participation across the 'political' or ideological divide.

The dialogues provide a learning opportunity for all involved, including their perceptions on what should be the role of specific organisations, sharing experiences and improved definition of their activities. The mistrust existing between governments and civil society organisations is impeding the successful completion of the agrarian reforms as potential partners are not 'pulling' together resulting in policies that have not been subjected to rigorous debate and also lack of commitment in terms of development resource support. The challenge that this programme imposes upon itself is to facilitate dialogue between these important social partners so as to enhance Africa 's development path.

Log in to our Virtual Community and download the following related publications:

• Food Security in the Context of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (Policy Brief)
  
• Irrigation Resources and Water Management (Policy Brief)
  
• Urban Land and Housing Question (Policy Brief)
  
• Agricultural Extension and Farmer Support Systems in Zimbabwe 's Resettlement Areas (Policy Brief)
  
• Land Reforms, Food Security, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Poverty Reduction in Zimbabwe (Occasional Paper)
  
• Rethinking International Obligations (Occasional Paper)