Land tenure in Asia

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The book explores land tenure—its rights and the resulting social relations in rural Asian society—over the past 50 years. The first section provides an overview of land tenure trends across key Asian regions, highlighting the interplay between land tenure and social and economic development. The second chapter examines the impact of these changes on human relations, income distribution, production, and the land market. It notes the decline of traditional local institutions, the fragmentation of farm sizes due to inheritance, and the exodus of smallholders from agriculture when non-agricultural jobs arise. In former socialist countries, 40-year lease contracts have incentivized land management without relinquishing state-owned land. The third chapter analyzes how different land tenure types influence development projects, emphasizing that access to land has become as crucial as the type of tenure. A new socio-economic classification of land-cultivating households is introduced to reflect their diverse situations and interests. Notably, 75% of these households lack sufficient land to support their families, leading to diminished interest in cultivation, especially among youth who prioritize non-agricultural employment. The final chapter addresses the potential and challenges of integrating land tenure into development cooperation efforts.