Participatory Land Delimitation – Experiences and Methodologies

FAO Land Tenure Collection Number 2

The FAO Land Tenure and Management Unit is pleased to release a CD-ROM entitled Participatory Land Delimitation – Experiences and Methodologies; the information contained in this CD-rom is the result of a partnership initiative coordinated by the Unit.

The CD-ROM presents a collection of materials where demarcation of lands is viewed, in the context of participatory land delimitation, as a participatory process which links social legitimacy and legal validity, with the objective of reinforcing land tenure security of rural communities. This allows recognition and promotes guarantee of rights of access, use and management of lands of rural communities, and provides individual and/or collective property titles.

As the CD-ROM collection illustrates, the process of land demarcation and land titling is an integral part of local development. To realize such development fully, communities need a range of complementary support actions to accompany the land tenure security improvements resulting from land delimitation. Communities should participate in the planning of this local development to ensure sustainable management of territories and protection of natural resources, to promote local cultures, to reinforce the notion of rights for vulnerable groups and to consolidate local institutions in charge of development projects. Participation of local populations in such decision-making, promotion of productive activities and income generation, and creation of an environment that favours dialogue between different actors and stakeholders, helps prevent land tenure conflicts and can promote their resolution.

For additional information or request copies of the CD-ROM, please refer to Paul.Mathieu@fao.org or Paolo.Groppo@fao.org

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