Land tenure and resettlement in post-war Mozambique : capacity and individual choice

As the country moves toward ceasefire and an end to the conflict, policy planners are considering options for post-war economic and physical reconstruction. Explicit in many of these plans is the idea that "displaced" people will need to be "resettled" on the land. Indeed, many consider resettlement as one of the most immediate and critical issues facing Mozambique. This paper suggests that plans for resettling the displaced population require very careful consideration to minimize the risk that they may result in greater social and economic disruption. Plans which in any way propose the forced or coerced movement of displaced populations must be examined in light of Mozambique"s historical experiences with such efforts. Villagization and other social-planning programs in Mozambique, both during the colonial period and after independence, which included elements of forced movement failed miserably to achieve their stated objectives and resulted in significant economic, political, and social disruption. This paper contends that government should not attempt to resettle people, but rather that people should be allowed to settle themselves depending on their own needs and desires. This element of individual choice is critical because a lasting post-war economic reconstruction will be achieved only if a rural environment is created in which people are willing to invest in agriculture. Further, if the government is genuinely committed to revitalizing agriculture, increasing food security, and reducing social conflict, it will have to address the political, as well as socio-cultural, nature of rural society. Government must devolve power to rural communities through policies that allow and encourage individual Mozambicans to exercise control over their own lives, including their means of production and the disposition of their resources. Since land is the main means of production and the center of political power and other socioeconomic relations, government will have to address land issues as a part of this process. Government must establish a clear land policy, one that (a) enhances security of land tenure rights for all farmers, including those in the commercial and smallholder sectors; (b) increases individual control and empowerment; and (c) is seen as legitimate by all parties. (Author abstract)