WP02/2012
Jel Classification
F21, O13, Q15, Q34
N° Pages
30
What drives the global land rush?
Abstract

This paper studies the determinants of foreign land acquisition for large scale agriculture. To do so, gravity models are estimates using data on bilateral investment relationships, together with newly constructed indicators of agro-ecological suitability in areas with low population density as well as land rights security. Results confirm the central role agro-ecological potential as a pull factor. In contrast to the literature on foreign investment in general, the quality of the business climate is insignificant whereas weak land governance and tenure security for current users make countries more attractive for investors. Implications for policy are discussed

Keywords
Land acquisition, large scale agriculture, foreign investments agro-ecological potential, land availability, land governance, property rights