A single document is making a world of difference off the coast of southeast Africa. On the fertile island of Madagascar, more than 85 percent of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. Yet one of the main obstacles farmers have faced for decades is obtaining legal rights over their land.

When certified by the authorities, these land property rights are crucial for securing legal protection against rival claims. They are also critical for giving them the confidence to invest in these lands and access loans from financial institutions, which may require land as collateral.