The political economy of land governance in Lao PDR

Laos has experienced particularly rapid change from a country which was seen and promoted by its leaders as land-rich and capital-poor, and hence in need of investment, to one with growing land pressures. Among the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Viet Nam (CLMV) group, Lao features as the country where land issues are most sensitive within the current political system. Openings for dialogue, establishment of effective grievance mechanisms and ground-based advocacy are most limited in Laos. Land pressures in Laos come from agro-industrial plantations and a large number of hydroelectric dams, mines and infrastructure projects that have been built, are under construction, or are planned. Together these are creating considerable land insecurity, not only among directly affected communities, but also in areas where resettlement schemes are established.

Journal Article