Multi-scale analysis of the opportunities and threats of large-scale land acquisitions (LaSLA) to the sustainable development of Sub-Saharan Africa (with a focus on Tanzania)
To examine what drives LaSLA, I used country level data from 2005 to 2013 on economic conditions, natural resources, business practices, and governance to estimate LaSLA models. I find that LaSLA increases with increasing government effectiveness, land prices, and the ease of doing business, and decreases with stronger regulatory regimes. To assess LaSLA's impacts on local people, I conducted a comparative case study in Tanzania. I compare changes in peoples' livelihood between treatment villages (those experiencing LaSLA) and control villages (those without LaSLA projects). The results show that under current practices, the risks of LaSLA outweigh the benefits to local livelihoods, yet there are potential benefits if LaSLA is implemented correctly.
To philosophically examine whether LaSLA can be considered just and ethical, I apply John Rawls' theory of justice. The analysis indicates that from both procedural and distributive justice perspective, LaSLA currently fails to satisfy Rawlsian principles of justice. From these analyses, I conclude that if implemented correctly, LaSLA can produce a win-win outcome for both investors and host countries. I suggest that strong governance, rigorous environmental and social impact assessment, and inclusion of local people at all levels of LaSLA decision making are critical for sustainable and equitable outcomes.]]>autNkansah-Dwamena, ErnestthsKinzig, AnndgcMinteer, BendgcPerrings, CharlesdgcGabagambi, DamiandgcAggarwal, RimjhimpblArizona State UniversityengPartial requirement for: Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2017Includes bibliographical references (pages135-154)Field of study: Biologyby Ernest Nkansah-Dwamenahttps://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.4396600Doctoral DissertationAcademic thesesx, 170 pages : illustrations, color maps114963402561630032421155313systemIn CopyrightAll Rights Reserved2017TextTanzania--Social conditions.SustainabilitySub Saharan Africa studiesDisplacementJohn Rawlsland grabbinglarge scale land acquisitionAfrica, Sub-SaharanTanzaniaLand use--Tanzania.Land useReal property--Tanzania--Foreign ownership.Real propertySustainable development--Tanzania.Sustainable developmentEnvironmental justice--Tanzania.environmental justice