WILLAGRI
Land grabbing is not purely an African issue. Worldwide, arable land is gradually and discreetly acquired by large groups operating in the agri-food or cosmetic sectors.
By investing in agricultural land, industrial players ensure the availability of raw materials necessary for their operations.
In her book “Hold-up sur la terre” (Hold-up on the Earth), Lucile Leclair described the phenomenon of land grabbing and the risk of developing agricultural production tailored to the needs of processing industries. This land grab also jeopardizes food sovereignty, as food security comes under the control of large corporations.
The phenomenon could intensify as the agricultural world ages, and in a few years, 160,000 farms will need successors. Young farmers might be tempted to become employees of these groups to secure their incomes.
Governments have a dual mission; they must support the economic dynamics of their territories. But they also must, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensure equitable access to food and healthy food.
Source: TerreNet