Dialogue initiative

Increasing large-scale investment in land raises fundamental questions on land rights, development, ecosystem management and food security, with diverse views being held by different stakeholders. Inter-governmental and governmental agencies currently taking a lead have proposed principles for responsible land-based investments, while producer organisations and social movements representing the populations most directly affected by such investments have generally been more sceptical of the possibility of achieving ‘win-win’ outcomes.

Consultations on particular proposals that have taken place up to this point have been limited in scope. In addition, alternative proposals have not had the opportunity to be widely heard or debated. 

In response to this challenge, a wider dialogue is necessary that will bring together key stakeholders to more fully consider the phenomenon and how to respond to it. This has prompted several organisations to come together to form an Initiating Committee to launch such a dialogue. The Initiating Committee is formed by three regional farmers’ organizations; Asia Farmers Association (AFA), ón de Organizaciones de Productores Familiares del MERCOSUR (COPROFAM) and éseau des organisations paysannes et des producteurs agricoles de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (ROPPA; Network of Peasants’ & Agricultural Producers’ Organizations of West Africa); one international NGO, ActionAid International (AAI); and one partnership of civil society and intergovernmental organisations, the International Land Coalition (ILC). Oxfam is a supporting partner of the Dialogue.