Photo: Jesper Karlsson
Large-Scale Land Investments: Curse or Development Opportunity?
Open LARRI (Land Rights Research Initiative) seminar
| What | Seminar |
|---|---|
| When |
Mar 13, 2013 01:15 PM
to Mar 13, 2013 03:00 PM |
| Where | School of Business, Economics and Law, Vasagatan 1, Room D31 (Handelshögskolan i Göteborg) |
| Contact Name | Maria Ölund |
| Contact Phone | 0709-116697 |
| Attendees |
Kenneth Hermele, Matthew Fielding, Jesper Karlsson, Maria Ölund, Lasse Krantz |
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The rapidly increasing interest for commercial investments in land for large-scale agricultural production
of biofuels, food, feed etc., particularly noticeable in Africa and other developing regions, is by many seen
as a “curse” because it risk to deprive local people of their access to land and other natural resources needed
for their livelihood. Others argue that these investments are required to improve infrastructure, create
employment and to foster economic dynamism in rural areas which is needed to combat poverty.
The purpose of this seminar is to explore these different positions and discuss whether the increased interest
for large-scale agricultural investments also could be a development opportunity for local populations.
Program:
13.15-13.45: Kenneth Hermele, School of Global Studies - GU, will make an introductory presentation.
He has rich experience in development economics and recently defended his Ph.D thesis: “Land Matters.
Agrofuels, Unequal Exchange and Appropriation of Ecological Space” in Human Ecology at Lund University.
13.45-15.00: The discussion, moderated by Maria Ölund coordinator of LARRI, will start with comments
from the two discussants: Matthew Fielding Project Manager at SIANI and Stockholm Environment Institute
and Jesper Karlsson who works with research on international agricultural investment and principles
for responsible agricultural investment at the Trade and Markets Division of FAO.
About LARRI:
The Land Rights Research Initiative is a platform for discussion, exchange of ideas and information as well as for promoting collaboration among researchers and students interested in land rights issues in a context of global change. The initiative is hosted by GCGD (Gothenburg Centre of Globalization and Development) at University of Gothenburg. Activities include open seminars and more informal “LARRI Network Meetings” on different themes which are organized regularly for students and researchers with a particular interest in the topic.
