Land enclosure

Appropriation of land
Collectivisation of land

Nature

The dispossession of peasants and the indigenous from their lands has taken many forms during the centuries, executed by both government and private interests, particularly in the processes of colonization and industrialization.

Background

Land enclosure emerged as a significant global issue during the early modern period, notably in England, where the privatization of common lands disrupted traditional rural livelihoods. Its importance was first recognized amid widespread social unrest and displacement. Over time, historians and economists have traced similar patterns worldwide, linking enclosure to rural poverty, migration, and altered land use. Contemporary scholarship increasingly highlights its ongoing relevance in debates over land rights and agrarian reform.

Incidence

Land enclosure continues to affect millions globally, particularly in regions where communal or indigenous lands are converted to private ownership or commercial use. This process often leads to displacement, loss of livelihoods, and social unrest, with significant impacts observed in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The scale of land enclosure has increased in recent decades due to rising demand for agricultural land, urban expansion, and resource extraction, making it a persistent and widespread issue of international concern.
In 2022, large-scale land enclosure occurred in the Gambella region of Ethiopia, where thousands of hectares of communal farmland were leased to foreign agribusinesses. This resulted in the displacement of local Anuak communities, sparking protests and drawing international attention to the ongoing challenges of land rights and enclosure in the region.

Claim

The way to create a proletariat is enclosure, thus stealing the ordinary means of production (land and hunting) used by the peasants to survive.

Counter-claim

Land enclosure is not an important problem in today’s world. Modern economies thrive on private property and efficient land use, which enclosure supports. Concerns about enclosure are outdated, as most societies now have legal frameworks to protect rights and promote productivity. Dwelling on this issue distracts from real, pressing challenges like climate change and poverty. It’s time to move on from this irrelevant historical debate and focus on what truly matters.