A Thirst for Distant Lands: Foreign investment in agricultural land and water
This paper examines how water is the main driver behind a new wave of foreign investment in the agriculture sector. Investors have made it clear that acquiring land without water resources has no economic value. Governments with scarce or depleted water resources are actively acquiring fertile land with abundant water resources. What is often referred to as the "great global land grab" may actually turn out to be a "water grab."
Additional downloads
You might also be interested in
Why was Africa exporting only about 1% of Soya, "The King Of Beans"?
Soy, often known as soja or soya bean, is the most popular plant-based protein source. It is also one of the most plentiful and inexpensive protein sources. Soya has become an essential part of daily life for people and animals in many parts of the world.
IISD Mourns the Passing of Ciata Bishop, Advisor and Advocate for Responsible Agricultural Investment
IISD is saddened by the recent loss of Ciata Bishop, a longtime friend and advisor to our team, and a passionate advocate for ensuring that investment is conducted sustainably and with the involvement of the communities affected.
Realizing Responsible Investment in Agriculture: What can policy-makers in Africa learn from Southeast Asia?
Large-scale land-based agricultural investments in Africa still entail many human rights and environmental risks that could be avoided or mitigated. Why is this still happening, and how can policy-makers reverse this trend?
WTO Agriculture Negotiations at MC13: What does the lack of outcomes mean for least developed countries and other vulnerable economies?
IISD expert Facundo Calvo analyzes what came out of the WTO's agriculture negotiations at the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi and its implications for least developed countries and other vulnerable economies.