Forced relocation of peasants onto marginal lands

Nature

Peasants have been forced off their lands by government development projects, such as major dams, by colonization, by government collectivization or compulsory acquisition of land for various purposes, by the privatization of public land, by commercial landholders who change land use practices to make them incompatible for subsistence activities (e.g. clearance of forests), or for a variety of other reasons. Usually the only unallocated land onto which they can move is marginal for primary production (steep slopes, semi-arid lands etc.) and can be rapidly degraded.

Background

The forced relocation of peasants onto marginal lands emerged as a recognized global issue during the 20th century, particularly amid state-led agricultural reforms and development projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. International concern intensified following documented cases in the 1970s and 1980s, when studies revealed the widespread socio-economic and environmental consequences of such displacements. Subsequent research and advocacy highlighted the persistent vulnerability of affected communities and the long-term degradation of relocated environments.

Incidence

Forced relocation of peasants onto marginal lands has occurred on a significant scale in various regions, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Millions have been displaced from fertile areas due to infrastructure projects, land grabs, or state policies, often resulting in reduced agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and increased poverty. The phenomenon undermines rural livelihoods and contributes to environmental degradation, making it a persistent global concern.
In 2021, in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, thousands of smallholder farmers were forcibly moved to less arable land as part of government resettlement schemes, leading to widespread hardship and loss of traditional farming practices.